Shoppers are exposed to countless stimuli and make decisions in a matter of seconds, POP displays have become a decisive element in a brand’s commercial performance.
Although they are often perceived simply as structures used to hold products, POP displays represent much more than that: they are strategic tools that connect visibility, shopper experience, and conversion at the point of sale.
Understanding what POP displays are, what they are made of, and why they matter is essential for any company aiming to strengthen its in-store presence and maximize impact at the most critical moment of the consumer journey: the final purchase decision.
POP displays are structures specifically designed to present products within a retail space in an organized, attractive, and prioritized way. Their primary function is to increase brand visibility and make it easier for consumers to engage with the product in the point-of-sale environment.
A well-developed POP display serves clear objectives:
Strategically, POP displays act as a bridge between marketing investment and sales execution, because they operate at the most critical point in the shopper journey: the moment of choice.
Despite the rapid growth of digital channels, the physical point of sale remains a decisive arena. Multiple studies indicate that the majority of purchase decisions are made inside the store, directly in front of the shelf, rather than before entering the establishment (NielsenIQ, 2023).
In that context, POP displays become central because they allow a brand to:
POP displays do not serve merely an operational purpose; they are strategic assets of retail execution that increase the probability of conversion in-store (POPAI, 2023).
Retail spaces today are extremely competitive. In many categories, dozens of products share the same shelf and compete for attention within seconds.
In this environment, POP displays enable brands to:
POPAI has documented that the proper implementation of POP displays and point-of-purchase materials has a significant impact on sales performance, particularly when combined with strategic in-store placement (POPAI, 2023).
One of the most important variables in POP display design is the material. The choice determines durability, aesthetics, cost, sustainability, and channel suitability.
Below are the most common materials used in the industry.
Cardboard is one of the most widely used materials for temporary campaigns and promotional activations.
Key advantages include:
Additionally, cardboard aligns strongly with recycling initiatives and circular economy efforts, especially when sourced from certified suppliers (Deloitte, 2023).
Metal POP displays are primarily used for permanent or high-traffic retail solutions.
Notable benefits:
Metal POP displays are common in categories involving heavy products or constant in-store execution.
Acrylic POP displays are associated with visually sophisticated solutions, particularly in premium segments.
Main benefits:
Acrylic POP displays increase perceived value when exclusivity and elegance are strategic priorities.
Wood POP displays bring warmth, authenticity, and a strong visual narrative.
They are commonly used in:
Wood POP displays allow for high customization and emotional connection with the shopper.
More companies are integrating ESG criteria into their supply chains, including POP displays made from:
Sustainability is becoming a decisive factor not only for consumers, but also for brands seeking reputational consistency (Accenture, 2023).
Beyond materials, POP displays are also categorized according to their function within the retail space:
Each POP display format supports a different retail strategy depending on category, channel, and shopper behavior.
POP displays have evolved significantly. Today, many POP display solutions incorporate experiential and technological components, including:
This reflects a fundamental reality of modern retail: the point of sale is a media channel, and POP displays are one of the most effective formats for communicating value and differentiation (Harvard Business Review, 2023).
POP displays are far more than physical supports. They are strategic tools that directly influence shopper behavior, brand visibility, and conversion in-store.
Understanding what POP displays are made of, how POP displays are designed, and why POP displays work allows brands to invest more effectively at the point of sale.
In retail, visibility is not aesthetic—it is strategy. And POP displays remain one of the most powerful instruments for turning presence into preference.
Know more about pop displays.
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