When it comes to promoting products in retail spaces, point-of-purchase (POP) and point-of-sale (POS) displays play a crucial role. Understanding what types of products typically make their way into these displays can give us insights into the power of effective merchandising. Are you curious about which products tend to shine in these spaces? Let’s dive in and explore.

POP and POS displays are commonly used for products that benefit from impulse purchases or those that require high visibility. These displays help brands capture the consumer’s attention right at the moment of decision-making.

In the next sections, we will discuss examples of products that traditionally benefit from being displayed in POP and POS settings. We will also highlight how these displays work, and why they are so effective for certain products.

What is an example of a pop in merchandising?

When we think of POP merchandising, we usually imagine an attractive display placed near a checkout counter or a high-traffic area in a store. But what exactly counts as a "POP" product?

A great example of POP merchandising is a display for candy or gum placed near the register. These products are typically impulse buys—small, low-cost items that a consumer might grab on their way out of the store.

Why does this work?

POP merchandising¹ is effective because it targets the consumer at the point of purchase when they are ready to make a buying decision. These products don’t require deep consideration, and they often fulfill an immediate need. With colorful, well-designed displays, the products catch the eye and tempt the shopper to make that extra purchase.

Products like magazines, snacks, and small toys are common in POP displays because they are designed for quick, low-risk buying decisions. For example, many grocery stores place small, eye-catching candy displays at the register to maximize impulse buys², especially during checkout times. This placement is strategic and creates an opportunity for the retailer to boost sales without requiring significant changes to the store layout.

Which is an example of a pop point of purchase display?

POS displays are often a bit more involved than POP displays. They typically promote higher-end products or seasonal items that require more attention and focus from the consumer.

A good example of a POS display could be a stand-alone unit promoting a special edition of a popular product, like a new smartphone model. These displays are designed to stand out and educate the consumer about the product’s features.

Why do POS displays work so well?

POS displays³ are generally used for products that need more explanation or those that are more expensive. They are placed in strategic locations within the store, often at eye level, where customers are more likely to take notice. These displays are a bit more interactive or informative⁴, providing the consumer with all the details they need to make an informed decision.

Think about those large POS displays you see for electronics or tech gadgets. These displays don’t just have the product; they also have features, pricing, and benefits⁵ clearly presented. The goal is to help the customer understand why the product is worth the price and why they should buy it now.

What is pop merchandise?

POP merchandise refers to products that are promoted through point-of-purchase displays. These products are strategically placed in retail environments where consumers are most likely to make an impulse buy.

POP merchandise includes small items like keychains, pens, or inexpensive accessories that can be easily added to a customer’s cart at the time of checkout.

Why is POP merchandising effective?

POP merchandise works because it taps into impulse buying⁶ tendencies. The displays are designed to attract attention quickly, and the merchandise is priced low enough that it doesn’t require much thought or evaluation from the buyer.

Additionally, POP products often meet an immediate need or appeal to a small desire—like a pack of gum when you’re about to pay for your groceries or a small gift item placed near the checkout in a clothing store. Because these products are usually inexpensive and easy to purchase, they benefit from being showcased in an attention-grabbing manner.

Merchants that focus on impulse-buy products know that positioning them near the checkout line or in high-traffic areas makes it easy for customers to make last-minute decisions. The goal is simple: make the product irresistible right when the customer is already in the buying mindset.

What is POS merchandising?

POS merchandising involves the display and promotion of products at the point where the transaction occurs. These displays are designed to catch the customer’s attention while they are about to make a purchase, offering products that they might not have originally intended to buy but now find tempting.

POS merchandising includes high-ticket items or special promotions, like a luxury watch or a seasonal sale on electronics, which encourage the customer to consider a larger purchase while they’re already in the store.

How does POS merchandising work?

POS merchandising is effective because it leverages the psychology of the purchase decision⁷. When customers approach the checkout counter⁸, they are in a decision-making mode. They are already prepared to make a purchase, so showing them an additional item can tip them over the edge.

Take the example of a high-end beauty product⁹ displayed at the counter of a cosmetics store¹⁰. The customer is already buying their skincare routine, but they may add that luxury lip gloss¹¹ or moisturizer to their basket when they see it beautifully displayed at the register.

POS displays often make use of striking visuals, lighting, and even scent (in the case of perfumes or candles) to create an enticing experience that encourages the customer to add something extra to their purchase. These displays can even include special offers, such as “buy one, get one free” or “limited-time discounts¹²,” to encourage impulse buys¹³ and increase sales volume.

Conclusion

POP and POS displays have been proven to significantly boost sales by catching consumers at the right moment. Whether it’s an inexpensive product in a POP display or a high-ticket item in a POS setup, these merchandising strategies play a key role in driving impulse purchases and increasing revenue.