Custom Point of Purchase (POP) displays are powerful marketing tools that help brands attract customers and boost sales. By providing an eye-catching and creative way to showcase products, custom POP displays have become a staple in retail environments. In this article, we will explore what POP displays are, their disadvantages, how they differ from POS displays, and who typically provides them.

Custom POP displays are specially designed display units used at the point of sale to draw attention to products and increase customer engagement. They come in various shapes, sizes, and materials, tailored to fit the product’s needs and brand identity.

POP displays are often used to highlight new products, promotions, or seasonal items, making them highly effective in driving impulse purchases. The goal is to grab the attention of shoppers and encourage them to engage with the product. Now, let’s dive deeper into understanding what exactly a POP display is.

What is a pop display?

A POP display refers to any promotional material placed near the point of sale (POS) that helps attract attention to a product or brand. These displays are designed to be highly visible and are strategically placed in areas where customers are most likely to make purchasing decisions. POP displays can take various forms, from simple countertop units to large free-standing displays.

A POP display is a marketing tool placed near the checkout or product area to increase product visibility and attract customer attention. They can be temporary or permanent, depending on the brand’s needs.

POP displays¹ are often used in retail stores, malls, or exhibitions to enhance the shopping experience². The aim is to help a product stand out, whether it’s for a limited-time promotion, a seasonal sale, or to increase brand awareness³. Let’s look into what makes these displays so effective.

Benefits of POP Displays

POP displays⁴ are valuable for several reasons. They are designed to grab customer attention immediately, especially when placed in high-traffic areas like store entrances, checkout counters, or aisles. The impact they have on purchasing decisions⁵ can be significant, especially in retail spaces that rely on impulse buying. The displays not only showcase products but also reinforce brand identity⁶ by using colors, logos, and attractive designs that align with the product’s overall marketing strategy.

What are the disadvantages of pop displays?

While POP displays can be highly effective, they are not without their drawbacks. One major disadvantage is their temporary nature. Most POP displays are designed for short-term use, which means they need to be replaced frequently. This can be costly and time-consuming, especially for large businesses with many products.

The primary disadvantages of POP displays include their short lifespan, potential for high costs, and the need for frequent updates or replacements to maintain effectiveness.

The cost of production and shipping⁷ for POP displays can also be significant. Custom displays often require specialized designs and materials⁸, which can increase the overall price. Additionally, the quality of the display material⁹ can affect its durability. Poor-quality displays can become damaged quickly, which may lead to a poor customer experience and potential loss of sales.

The Cost Factor

As mentioned, one of the key drawbacks of POP displays is the expense involved in creating and maintaining them. Custom POP displays¹⁰, while effective, can be costly¹¹, especially if they require complex designs or are made from premium materials. These costs can add up quickly, particularly for businesses that need to refresh their displays regularly.

Another challenge comes with the need for coordination between the design and production teams¹² to ensure timely delivery, which might be delayed if there are issues with production timelines or transportation.

What is the difference between POS and POP display?

While both POS (Point of Sale) and POP displays aim to boost sales, they are used in different contexts. A POS display is typically placed at the checkout area where customers are finalizing their purchases. It often focuses on impulse items or add-on products, such as snacks or small gadgets. On the other hand, a POP display can be placed in various areas of the store to create product awareness and influence customers even before they reach the checkout.

POS displays are located at the checkout to encourage impulse buying, while POP displays can be placed throughout the store to create product awareness and drive initial interest.

POS displays¹³ are typically more limited in scope, focusing on products that can be purchased immediately. In contrast, POP displays¹⁴ can serve a broader purpose by showcasing a brand’s full range of products or highlighting special promotions. Therefore, POP displays are considered a more comprehensive approach to in-store marketing¹⁵.

Key Differences

Who usually provides pop displays?

POP displays are often provided by specialized display manufacturers, graphic design companies, or marketing agencies. These companies work closely with brands to create custom displays that align with the brand’s identity and product goals. In some cases, companies may also design and produce their own displays in-house, especially for larger businesses with dedicated marketing teams.

POP displays are usually provided by specialized manufacturers or design agencies that work with brands to create tailored, high-quality displays for their marketing campaigns.

These providers are responsible for all stages of the display process¹⁸, from conceptual design¹⁹ and prototyping to final production and shipping. They ensure that the display meets both functional and aesthetic requirements, such as durability, branding, and customer engagement²⁰.

Who Needs POP Displays?

Most companies in retail, food and beverage, cosmetics, and even technology industries rely on POP displays²¹ to enhance product visibility²². Larger companies may work with display specialists to create highly customized solutions²³, while smaller businesses may opt for simpler, ready-made options.

Conclusion

Custom POP displays are essential tools in driving sales and enhancing brand visibility. While they offer many advantages, businesses must also weigh their costs and maintenance needs to ensure they are a good fit for their marketing strategy.