Struggling to choose the right display for your product? The wrong choice wastes money and retail space. I'll guide you through the main types to make your decision easier.

Point-of-purchase (POP) displays are special stands used in retail to promote products. Common types include floor displays, countertop units, pallet displays, and endcaps. Each is designed for a specific store location and goal, from driving impulse buys to moving bulk inventory.

Now that you have a basic idea, you are probably wondering which one is right for your project. I’ve spent 16 years in this business, and I've seen it all. The key is matching the display type to your product, your budget, and your campaign goal. It’s not just about making something that looks good; it’s about making something that works. Let's dig deeper into the specific types so you can choose with confidence.

What are the different types of POS displays?

Confused by all the industry jargon like POP and POS? Using the wrong term can lead to design mix-ups. Let's clarify the key types found at the point of sale.

Point-of-sale (POS) displays include floor stands, counter units, dump bins, and shelf talkers. These are all placed where the customer makes a purchase, designed to grab attention and boost sales right there in the store.

In my experience, people use POP (Point of Purchase) and POS (Point of Sale) almost interchangeably. Technically, the Point of Purchase is anywhere in the store a customer might decide to buy, while the Point of Sale is specifically where the transaction happens, like the checkout. But for designers and marketers, the goal is the same: influence the customer. I remember working with a new client who insisted on a "POS display." We designed a great little counter unit, only to find out they meant a large "POP display" for the main aisle. It was a simple miscommunication that almost delayed their launch. That's why understanding the specific types is so critical.

Key Display Categories

Here's a breakdown to help you communicate clearly with your team and suppliers.

Each of these serves a very different purpose. You wouldn't put a pallet display on a checkout counter, and you wouldn't use a small counter unit to launch a new line of breakfast cereal. Matching the display to the retail environment is the first step to a successful campaign.

What is an example of a POP display?

Can't picture what a real POP display looks like in a store? Abstract ideas don't help much when you need to design something practical. I'll give you a clear, common example.

A classic example of a POP display is a small cardboard stand next to a checkout counter holding chocolate bars or magazines. It is designed for impulse buys, is compact, and is branded to catch your eye right before you pay.

Let’s focus on one specific, and very effective, example: the Countertop Display Unit, or CDU. As a designer, this is a fun and challenging project. It has to be small but mighty. It needs to be structurally sound enough to hold product but easy for a store employee to assemble. I once worked on a CDU for a new energy drink brand. The client wanted something that looked "explosive" but could fit in a tiny 10-inch by 10-inch space.

Design Considerations for a CDU

The first thing we did was get the product samples. You can't design a structure without knowing the exact weight and dimensions you need to support. For the energy drink, the cans were tall and thin, which meant they could tip over easily. Our design needed deep pockets or a slight backward angle to keep them secure. We also added a large, visually striking backer card that stood up behind the cans. This gave us more room for branding without increasing the footprint.

A Real-World Success Story

We used B-flute corrugated cardboard for strength and kept the design to just two pieces for easy assembly. The client loved it. They placed the CDUs at convenience store checkouts, and sales for the first month were 30% higher than projected. It’s a perfect example of how the right display, in the right place, can make a huge difference. It wasn't just a box; it was a targeted sales tool.

What are the 5 types of displays and how are they used?

Feeling overwhelmed by all the different display options? Choosing from a long list is hard and can lead to analysis paralysis. Let's focus on the five most essential types and their uses.

The five main types are floor displays, counter displays, pallet displays, endcap displays, and dump bins. They are used for everything from launching new products with high visibility to clearing out seasonal inventory quickly.

After 16 years, I find myself coming back to these five types again and again. They are the workhorses of the retail world. If you can master when and how to use them, you will be ahead of most of the competition. For a designer like Peter, knowing the strategic use of each one is just as important as knowing how to build it in CAD. A great design that's used in the wrong context will fail. For example, an endcap is prime real estate in a store, so the design needs to be bold and communicate its message in seconds. A dump bin, however, signals "bargain" and can be much simpler.

Here's how I think about them:

Thinking this way turns a list of "types" into a toolkit. You aren't just picking a display; you're choosing the right tool for a specific job.

What are the other types of displays?

Think you know all the display types? Sticking only to the basics can limit your creative potential and miss opportunities. Let's explore some specialized displays you might not see every day.

Beyond the main five, there are specialized displays like power wings (or sidekicks), standees, and banners. These offer unique ways to capture attention in crowded aisle spaces or for specific events like a movie launch.

While the five major types cover most situations, sometimes you need a more specialized solution. This is where a designer's creativity can really shine. I love getting projects for these less-common displays because they present unique structural puzzles to solve. For a designer, these are the projects that build your reputation.

Power Wings and Sidekicks

These are displays that hang off the side of existing store shelving, often attached with plastic clips or metal bars. They are fantastic for cross-promoting items. For example, placing a power wing of shredded cheese next to the tortilla chips. The challenge is designing something lightweight but strong, that doesn't get in the way of shoppers in the aisle. We always have to think about load-bearing and balance.

Standees and Cutouts

These are basically life-sized cardboard cutouts, often of characters or people. You see them a lot for movie promotions or video game launches. They aren't meant to hold products. Their only job is to grab attention and create a photo opportunity. The key design challenge is stability. A standee must have a well-designed easel back so it doesn't fall over if someone bumps into it. I remember designing one for a big summer movie. Seeing people taking selfies with our standee in the theater lobby was a proud moment.

Conclusion

In the end, choosing the right POP display comes down to your product, your location, and your goal. A well-chosen display is more than just packaging; it's a powerful sales tool.