How to Create Retail POP Displays that Really Pop!
For retail stores, your point-of-purchase (POP) is your last moment to foster impulse purchases, drive sales, and remind customers of that “one more thing they need.” Long in play in retail spaces, today’s impactful retail point-of-purchase displays require strategic planning, creative design, and an understanding of consumer behavior.
When done right, POP and floor displays are powerful tools that influence purchasing decisions right at the moment of truth—the point of sale. But they can be a major missed opportunity if they aren’t well thought out, strategized, and planned.
Here are your must-have vital elements to make your retail POP displays irresistible.
1. Strategic Placement
POP or POS means the point of purchase/sale—in other words, the display right at the register where customers make a buy. Typically, your register or checkout counter is the area of your store with the highest foot traffic (and maximum visibility). It’s a great way to connect with your target audience in the retail space.
The two rules of strategic POP display placement are to capture customers’ attention in high-traffic areas and with eye-level positioning. While this usually means the register, it could also mean entrances, exits, and endcaps. Think of the spots where your customers naturally congregate and pause during their visit.
As for eye level, most adults are somewhere in the 5–6-foot range. Children have a lower point of view. So, for grown-up products, aim for that perfect eye range; for kids, lower displays with bright colors catch their attention. All types of POP displays make a lasting impression when they’re unmissable in high-traffic areas.
2. Clear & Compelling Message
Message is everything in POP displays. Keep it clear, strong, and concise. Remember that time is of the essence in retail, especially at checkout. It’s not the time for a long, in-depth message. Instead, rely on short, clear, persuasive text to make a case quickly. Communicate the product value or sum up the special offer in a few words. This is a spot to rely on brand recognition and brand awareness to help drive the message.
One critical yet often overlooked component of your point-of-purchase marketing is the call to action! How do you create the itch? Best practices show that terms like: “Limited Time Offer,” “Buy Now,” and even “New” spur a sense of urgency. Customers must act now! Your CTA turns a casual glance into a purchase.
3. Visual Appeal
The pop in POP displays calls for visual appeal. This is where color psychology comes into play. Choose vibrant colors that align with your brand. Contrasting colors draw the eye, and bold colors help the display stand out. You have just a moment to make a big visual impact, so eye-catching designs are crucial.
Your POP displays are the place to invest in high-quality graphics and imaging. The sharper and more vivid the visuals, the more they will attract attention and reflect the quality of the products on display. Your POP displays are the spot to really go all out. Choose banner stands, shelf talkers, and endcap display components that command consumer attention.
4. Interactive Elements
In today’s retail landscape, experience is everything. Customers visit stores for an immersive, tactile experience, especially with new products. Let customers interact physically with the product—touch, feel, smell, test, or try it on whenever possible. This interaction creates a connection that really makes the product memorable.
Although in-person offers a different experience from digital engagement, today’s customers are comfortable with technology. Integrating technology such as QR codes, tables, interactive screens, product videos, or virtual try-ons boosts engagement and makes a big difference. If you want higher conversion rates, digital touchpoints give you another way to get there. These interactive elements take your brand image to the next level and do so much more than a typical cardboard display.
Consider the Impact of Your POP Display
Retail POP displays aren’t just a spot to showcase products or entice last-minute impulse items—these displays should be a critical component of your marketing strategy because they directly and significantly boost sales. It’s a prime location for seasonal items, smaller products needing extra attention, and special offers you want your customers to notice.
Strategically place your POP, end caps, and free-standing displays with clear, compelling messaging, visuals, and attention-grabbing shapes. Make them interactive and embrace technology to increase customer engagement. Look at them as more than a way to capture attention—a well-designed pop display calls for immediate action.
If you’re ready to create eye-catching POP displays, contact Heritage today. We can help you boost your brand visibility and bottom line with the type of POP display that really pops!