What is a POP Display?

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A POP display is one of the most effective tools in retail marketing. It grabs customers’ attention and encourages them to make a purchase on the spot.

A POP display refers to a point-of-purchase display. These displays are strategically placed in stores to attract customers’ attention to a specific product or promotion.

Colorful product stands in a store
Product Displays

A well-designed POP display can make a big difference in boosting sales, increasing visibility, and enhancing the shopping experience. It’s an easy way to promote products right at the point where customers make decisions.

What is the difference between POS and POP display?

Retail marketing can get confusing with all the acronyms floating around. Two of the most commonly misunderstood terms are POS (Point of Sale) and POP (Point of Purchase) displays.

POS displays are set up at the cash register or checkout areas, while POP displays can be located anywhere in the store, including aisles, shelves, or near product displays.

Brightly colored counter with snacks
Snack Counter

While POS displays1 target customers at the final stage of their shopping journey, POP displays2 aim to catch attention and drive impulse buys earlier in the process. This key difference defines where they are placed and their role in the overall shopping experience3.

Key Differences Between POS and POP Displays

FeaturePOS DisplayPOP Display
LocationNear checkout, registerAnywhere in the store, often near products or shelves
PurposeFinal sales pitch, last-minute dealsTo catch attention, encourage impulse buys4
Design FocusSimplicity, emphasizing payment processBold, eye-catching design, often highlighting product details

The main takeaway here is that POS displays are designed to facilitate the sale at the point of transaction, while POP displays focus on grabbing attention before the purchase is made.

What is an example of a pop display?

You’ve probably encountered a pop display even if you didn’t realize it. These displays are found in nearly every retail environment, from grocery stores to electronics shops.

A simple example of a pop display is the free-standing display of snacks in the middle of a supermarket aisle. It’s strategically placed to catch your eye while you’re shopping for something else.

Grocery shelves with snack bags
Grocery Shelves

Other examples include promotional stands for cosmetics5, end-of-aisle displays for new beverages6, and seasonal product displays for holidays or events7. These displays often feature bright colors, bold messages, and product samples to encourage interaction.

Common Features of POP Displays

FeatureExample of POP Display
StructureStandalone units, shelf-edge fixtures
GraphicsBright, engaging visuals8 with clear messages
PlacementIn-store aisles, front sections, or near the checkout

No matter the product, a well-designed POP display can significantly increase the likelihood of a customer making a purchase.

What is pop-in display?

A pop-in display is essentially the opposite of a pop-out display. Instead of standing out in the store space, it integrates directly into the surrounding environment.

Pop-in displays are often designed to blend with the store’s layout, enhancing the product’s visibility without being overly intrusive. They may be built into shelves or placed in existing store fixtures to add subtle branding and highlight products.

Luxury store displaying handbags
Luxury Store

Pop-in displays can be used to create an elegant, low-key promotional experience. Unlike pop-out displays, they rely more on strategic product placement9 and design rather than boldness. These displays can work well in higher-end retail environments10 or stores that aim to create a more refined atmosphere.

Benefits of Pop-in Displays

BenefitDescription
SubtletyBlends seamlessly into the store’s design
EleganceIdeal for premium products11 that need a refined display
IntegrationWorks well with store layouts12 without overwhelming customers

Pop-in displays13 are perfect for products that require a more sophisticated approach, balancing visibility with subtlety.

What is the advantage of pop display?

POP displays are not just flashy marketing tools—they serve a purpose that benefits both retailers and brands alike.

The advantage of POP displays is their ability to directly influence a customer’s buying decision at the right time. Whether it’s an impulse buy or part of a broader promotion, these displays can capture attention and drive sales.

Brightly colored product display rack
Colorful Display

The main advantage is that POP displays create opportunities for spontaneous purchases14. When strategically placed15, they help products stand out and encourage customers to interact with them in a way they wouldn’t have otherwise.

Key Benefits of POP Displays

BenefitDescription
Increased Sales16Directly influences purchase behavior
Brand Visibility17Highlights products in high-traffic areas
Cost-Effective18Often more affordable than traditional advertising
EngagementEncourages customers to touch, feel, and explore the product

For businesses, the use of POP displays is an affordable way to increase visibility and sales without the need for expensive advertising campaigns.

Conclusion

POP displays are a key component in retail marketing. They help grab attention, encourage spontaneous purchases, and boost product visibility—essential for any brand looking to enhance its in-store presence.


  1. Understanding POS displays can enhance your marketing strategies and improve customer engagement at the checkout. 

  2. Exploring POP displays can provide insights into effective merchandising techniques that boost sales and attract customers. 

  3. Learning about the shopping experience can help you create a more engaging environment that encourages customer loyalty and repeat visits. 

  4. Discover effective strategies to boost impulse purchases and maximize sales in your store. 

  5. Explore this link to discover innovative strategies that can enhance the effectiveness of cosmetic promotional stands. 

  6. Learn how end-of-aisle displays can boost beverage sales and attract customer attention effectively. 

  7. Find out the best practices for creating impactful seasonal displays that resonate with customers during holidays. 

  8. Discovering best practices for engaging visuals can help improve your marketing efforts and attract more customers. 

  9. Learn about the importance of strategic product placement and its effect on consumer behavior and sales. 

  10. Explore the unique characteristics of higher-end retail environments and how they attract customers. 

  11. Learn about the importance of tailored displays for premium products to attract discerning customers and boost sales. 

  12. Explore effective strategies for integrating displays into store layouts to enhance customer experience and sales. 

  13. Discover how Pop-in displays can enhance your retail space and improve product visibility without compromising aesthetics. 

  14. Learn about the impact of spontaneous purchases on consumer behavior and sales strategies. 

  15. Discover the importance of strategic placement in retail marketing for maximizing product visibility and sales. 

  16. Explore how POP displays can significantly boost your sales and enhance customer engagement. 

  17. Learn how effective POP displays can elevate your brand’s presence in retail spaces. 

  18. Discover the financial advantages of using POP displays over traditional advertising methods. 

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