In today’s fast-paced retail environments, countertop display units play a crucial role in capturing customer attention, increasing sales and enhancing brand visibility. Also known as point of sale stands or counter displays, these compact yet powerful marketing tools are strategically positioned to influence last-minute purchasing decisions and improve the overall customer experience.
With shoppers increasingly influenced by in-store displays, investing in well-designed display units is an effective way to boost your sales and stand out from competitors. In this article, we’ll explore five proven strategies to maximise the impact of your countertop display units.
What Are Countertop Display Units and Why Are They Important?
A counter display unit (CDU) is a small, freestanding display stand placed on shop counters, checkout areas or service desks. Often referred to as point of sale (POS) stands, these units are designed to showcase products that benefit from impulse buying, such as confectionery, cosmetics, accessories or promotional items.
The psychology behind CDUs is simple: customers waiting at the till or browsing near service counters are more likely to pick up additional items when they’re attractively displayed within easy reach. These point of sale displays not only drive sales but also reinforce brand recognition.
Counter displays come in various materials, including:
- Acrylic displays for a sleek, modern look
- Cardboard counter displays for eco-friendly options
- Wire display stands for durability and portability
- Clear acrylic displays for unobtrusive product presentation
The right material and design can significantly enhance the effectiveness of your display.
1. Maximise Sales by Placing Counter Displays in High-Traffic Zones
Strategic placement is key to the success of any counter top display. Positioning your POS display in high-footfall areas — such as tills, service desks and store entrances — maximises visibility and encourages spontaneous purchases.
Some effective high-traffic spots include:
- Checkout counters
- Service reception desks
- Café payment points
- Retail store entrances
Remember, the retail display should not obstruct customer movement but instead subtly catch the eye as they queue or browse. Portable POS displays also allow for flexibility in repositioning based on store layout changes or seasonal peaks.
2. Use Eye-Catching Designs to Attract Shoppers
Visual appeal is essential for grabbing shopper attention. Custom displays that align with your brand’s colours, graphics and signage can significantly increase engagement.
To make your display unit truly stand out:
- Use bold colours and readable fonts
- Include your brand logo and tagline
- Consider acrylic displays for a polished appearance
- Try multi-tier or rotating display stands for added dimension
- Use lighting effects where appropriate
For example, a 3-tier acrylic display can elegantly showcase premium products while reinforcing a luxury brand image. Similarly, well-designed metal displays exude quality and longevity.
3. Showcase High-Margin or Seasonal Products
Your countertop display is the perfect place to highlight products with high profit margins or limited-time offers. By rotating the items in your small displays, you can create a sense of urgency that drives immediate action.
Ideal products for counter displays include:
- New product launches
- Seasonal gifts or festive items
- Trial-size products or samples
- Upsell items linked to the customer’s main purchase
Consider using a display block, product glorifier or display case to present these items effectively. Changing the display regularly keeps it fresh and encourages repeat purchases.
4. Improve Brand Awareness with Custom Counter Displays
A bespoke counter display does more than just hold products — it tells your brand story. Customisation allows you to convey brand values, messaging and unique selling points directly at the point of sale.
To reinforce your brand:
- Include leaflet holders to share additional information
- Use display boxes printed with your logo
- Incorporate interactive elements or QR codes for digital engagement
At Envoprint, we specialise in creating bespoke display units that not only meet your functional needs but also elevate your brand’s presence in retail environments.
5. Use Portable Counter Displays for Events and Trade Shows
Portable counter displays are ideal for temporary setups such as trade shows, pop-up shops and promotional events. These display stands are lightweight, easy to assemble and reusable, making them a cost-effective solution for brands on the move.
Options include:
- Wire displays for quick setup and versatility
- Clear acrylic displays for minimalistic, elegant product showcasing
- Flat-packed cardboard displays for ease of transport
Portable counter displays can help you maintain consistent branding across different venues while driving sales in diverse locations.
Bonus Tips: Materials, Durability, and Sustainability
Choosing the right material for your counter display unit impacts both aesthetics and sustainability. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Material | Key Benefits | Sustainability |
| Acrylic | Durable, sleek, premium look | Reusable |
| Cardboard | Lightweight, cost-effective, fully recyclable | Eco-friendly |
| Metal | Robust, long-lasting | Recyclable |
Brands are increasingly opting for eco-friendly materials like recyclable cardboard or reusable acrylic displays. Sustainable choices not only appeal to environmentally conscious customers but can also align with corporate social responsibility goals.
Common Mistakes to Avoid with Countertop Displays
To ensure your point of sale display delivers maximum impact, avoid these common pitfalls:
- Poor placement: Hidden or awkward locations reduce visibility.
- Cluttered displays: Too many products overwhelm customers and dilute focus.
- Lack of clear branding: Missing signage or inconsistent messaging weakens brand recognition.
By steering clear of these mistakes, your counter display can remain a powerful sales tool.
In summary, the right countertop display units can transform your point of sale strategy by:
- Maximising sales in high-traffic zones
- Attracting shoppers through eye-catching designs
- Showcasing high-margin or seasonal products
- Reinforcing your brand message
- Providing flexibility for events and trade shows
At Envoprint, we help businesses design and manufacture bespoke display stands that make products shine while staying true to brand values. To explore how our tailored solutions can help you boost sales and customer engagement, visit our bespoke POS display stand design services or contact our friendly team for a consultation.