When you walk into a retail store, you’re often struck by the displays that showcase products. But have you ever wondered how those displays come to life? What makes them so engaging? The process of creating custom in-store displays isn’t as simple as it seems, and it’s a blend of creativity, engineering, and strategy.

Custom in-store displays are made using a blend of creative design, strategic planning, and durable materials. A detailed understanding of the store’s branding and consumer psychology plays a huge role in making them effective.

To fully understand how these displays are made, let’s dive into how to create a store display that appeals to customers and enhances the overall shopping experience.

How to create a store display that people like?

Creating a store display that people enjoy involves more than just putting products on shelves. It’s about telling a story, creating an experience, and connecting with the customers emotionally. When a display is done right, it encourages people to stop, look, and engage with the product.

A successful store display focuses on visual appeal, interaction, and storytelling. It must catch attention and align with the brand’s image while encouraging customers to take action.

Creating a display that people like requires a balance between creativity and functionality¹. The design must attract attention², but it should also serve its purpose—whether that’s to highlight a product³, convey a promotion, or increase store traffic.

Elements of a Successful Display

• Color and Lighting⁴: Color psychology plays a big role in how a display grabs attention. Bright colors may attract those who are in a hurry, while softer tones might appeal to customers who are looking to explore. Lighting can make a product pop and create a welcoming atmosphere.

• Strategic Placement⁵: The placement of displays is crucial. Placing them near entrances, high-traffic areas, or along main aisles increases the chances of catching the customer’s eye.

• Consistency with Branding⁶: Every display should reflect the store’s branding. It should be immediately recognizable as part of the store’s identity.

What are store displays made of?

Store displays are crafted from various materials depending on the design needs, budget, and expected durability. From simple cardboard displays to elaborate fixtures made from metal or wood, the material chosen must serve both aesthetic and functional purposes.

Store displays are made of a range of materials including cardboard, acrylic, wood, and metal. The material choice depends on the display’s purpose, location, and how long it needs to last.

The material selection⁷ is integral to the display’s overall performance and how it interacts with the space. For instance, cardboard displays⁸ are lightweight, easy to customize, and cost-effective, making them a popular choice for promotions or limited-time offers. Acrylic displays, on the other hand, give a sleek and modern look, and are often used for premium products.

Key Material Types and Their Uses

The choice of material impacts the display’s look, feel, and ability to endure wear and tear over time.

Who sets up displays in stores?

Setting up displays is typically done by a combination of in-house store staff and external professionals, such as visual merchandisers or display companies. These experts are responsible for ensuring that the display fits the brand, attracts attention, and is installed properly.

Store displays are usually set up by in-house staff with the help of visual merchandisers or specialized display companies. These professionals ensure that displays are functional and aligned with store goals.

Visual merchandisers play a significant role in curating the store’s overall aesthetic. They work closely with store managers to decide on the layout, ensuring that products are displayed in a way that draws attention without overcrowding the space. Some larger retailers might even hire third-party display companies¹² to handle the logistics of setting up displays.

Who Is Involved in the Setup?

• Store Managers¹³: Oversee the general setup and ensure that displays meet the store’s objectives.
• Visual Merchandisers¹⁴: Design and implement the display, working closely with the brand’s identity and the product’s unique selling points.
• Display Companies¹⁵: Specialized companies provide tailored displays and handle installation.

Having the right team ensures the displays are both eye-catching and effective in driving sales.

How do retail stores display their merchandise?

Retail stores display their merchandise in a way that’s intended to maximize customer engagement and ultimately drive sales. Displays are carefully arranged to direct foot traffic and guide shoppers toward key products.

Retail stores display merchandise by strategically placing products in high-visibility areas. They use a combination of visual merchandising principles and technology to enhance the shopping experience.

Every retail display¹⁶ is designed with a purpose. Whether it’s for impulse buying¹⁷, highlighting a promotion, or simply creating a visually appealing environment, the display layout¹⁸ is essential for guiding customer behavior.

Key Principles of Retail Display Layouts

• Zoning¹⁹: This involves creating specific areas for particular types of merchandise. For example, a section dedicated to new arrivals or seasonal items.

• Product Grouping²⁰: Similar products are grouped together to make it easier for customers to find what they’re looking for. Cross-merchandising is also used to show how different products complement each other.

• Interactive Displays²¹: These allow customers to engage with products, whether through touchscreens, samples, or augmented reality. It’s all about making the shopping experience more immersive.

When done right, a store display can significantly enhance the shopping journey, making it easier for customers to find what they want and encouraging them to buy more.

Conclusion

Creating a custom in-store display involves careful planning, the right materials, and a strategic approach to placement. It’s all about engaging the customer and guiding them through the store in a way that makes the shopping experience enjoyable and memorable.