When you walk through a store, you may have noticed large cardboard displays showcasing products in creative ways. But have you ever wondered how these displays are shipped to stores? A display shipper is an essential part of the retail process that ensures these eye-catching promotional tools arrive at their destination in one piece, ready to be placed on the floor. This article explores what a display shipper is and why it matters in the world of retail and merchandising.

A display shipper is a specially designed shipping container used to transport promotional displays, such as cardboard displays, to retail stores. These shippers are built to ensure that the displays are delivered intact and can be easily set up for in-store promotion.

In retail, display shippers are crucial for packaging and shipping promotional displays. These displays often need to be large, sturdy, and able to withstand shipping without getting damaged. Display shippers are designed to fulfill these needs, while also ensuring the display can be set up easily in a store.

What is a shipper in retail?

Many people in retail understand the term "shipper," but few may know the full implications of what it means. So, what exactly is a shipper in the context of retail? Let’s dive in.

A shipper in retail refers to a container or box that is used to ship retail products, especially promotional displays. It ensures products arrive at retail stores safely, and can be easily set up for customer viewing.

In the retail world, shippers come in many forms. They can be simple boxes, crates, or more complex structures like display stands¹ or trays. They are often designed to fit the products they carry, ensuring they are secure and protected from damage². Shippers are also part of the broader logistics process³, which includes storing, moving, and delivering products to stores.

The Different Types of Shippers

Not all shippers are created equal. There are several types, each serving a different purpose. These include:

Display shippers are commonly used for temporary promotional displays. These displays can be set up quickly in-store to attract customer attention to specific products or promotions. Retailers often use these shippers for seasonal campaigns, new product launches, or limited-time offers.

What is display in merchandising?

Understanding display in merchandising is essential to fully appreciate the role of a display shipper. It’s all about how products are presented to customers. Let’s break it down.

Display in merchandising refers to how products are arranged and presented in a store to attract customers and drive sales. Displays can take many forms, including shelf arrangements, end caps, and standalone promotional displays.

A well-designed display⁷ not only showcases products⁸ but also communicates a message⁹ to the customer. It may highlight the product’s features, brand story, or special offer. Retailers and manufacturers use displays strategically to catch the shopper’s eye and make the product stand out from the competition.

The Importance of Displays in Retail

Displays play a significant role in influencing purchasing decisions¹⁰. They help create a visually appealing atmosphere¹¹ and guide customers toward high-priority products. Whether it’s through lighting, color choices, or the use of interactive elements¹², displays are carefully crafted to create a shopping experience that resonates with the target audience.

What is the definition of a shipper?

A shipper might seem like a simple term, but its definition can vary depending on the context. In retail, the term takes on a specific meaning related to shipping and transportation.

A shipper is a container used to transport goods from one location to another. In retail, shippers are designed to protect products during transit and make sure they arrive at retail locations ready to be displayed or sold.

Shippers come in many shapes and sizes, depending on what they are transporting. They can be cardboard boxes¹³, wooden crates, or even specially designed trays and racks¹⁴. Their primary function is to ensure products are securely packed during transportation, preventing any damage before they reach their destination.

Types of Shippers Used in Retail

Shippers are not just for packaging; they are part of a broader logistics strategy to ensure that products, including promotional displays, arrive on time and in excellent condition.

What is the role of a shipper?

What exactly does a shipper do in the context of merchandising? The role of a shipper goes beyond simple transportation. It involves several critical tasks that contribute to the overall retail experience.

The role of a shipper is to protect products during transit, ensure they arrive at their destination safely, and sometimes even provide an easy-to-assemble structure for in-store displays. A shipper plays a vital part in the retail supply chain.

In retail, shippers are crucial for several reasons. First, they ensure that products—especially delicate or bulky promotional displays¹⁸—arrive safely at stores. Second, they make the process of setting up a display easier for the store staff¹⁹, reducing time and effort spent on assembly. Finally, they can serve as a marketing tool²⁰ themselves, with attractive designs that help reinforce a brand’s image as soon as the customer walks into the store.

How a Shipper Supports Retail Success

The role of a shipper in retail doesn’t stop at just transportation. These containers are part of the larger merchandising strategy²¹, influencing how products are displayed and perceived by customers. A well-designed display shipper²² can even become a key element in driving sales²³ by ensuring that products are displayed in a way that maximizes customer interest.

Conclusion

Display shippers are an essential component of the retail supply chain. They protect products during transit, simplify in-store setup, and contribute to effective merchandising strategies. Understanding their role can help businesses streamline their operations and create better retail experiences for customers.