Counter Top Display Units
Counter Top Display Units
Counter Top Display Units (CDUs), also known as countertop POS stands, are compact retail display solutions designed to sit on a shop counter or any flat surface at worktop height near the checkout. These cardboard counter display units UK retailers use are ideal for increasing visibility at key purchase points. They are smaller than FSDUs (Free Standing Display Units), which are designed for floor placement.
Envoprint’s CDUs are made from eco-friendly materials such as recycled cardboard, acrylic, PVC and polypropylene, printed with your brand graphics to create robust and eye-catching displays. Our units are CNC cut in the UK for precision, with designs tailored to your products. This makes them a popular choice for brands in the UK that are looking for cost-effective cardboard counter display units for short-term promotions and product launches.
The three most common CDU design styles are:
- Standard
- Stepped
- Shelved
However, every unit is fully bespoke, printed and manufactured to your requirements.
Alongside these, our cardboard cube and totem displays are often used to create additional branded visibility within store aisles, working alongside CDUs to strengthen overall product impact.
Request a CDU Quote Online
Counter Top Display Unit Design
We’ll discuss your brand and visual concepts, product shape and size weight and come up with a design that is eye-catching, cost-effective and practical for your custom CDU requirements, including vape stand display for retail environments.
For larger in-store merchandising campaigns, many brands also combine CDUs with our FSDU display units, which provide a strong floor-level presence to support product launches and promotions.
If you are planning a complete retail rollout, our point of sale display stands offer a full range of solutions covering everything from counter displays to larger promotional structures across different retail environments.
Alongside these, our cardboard cube and totem displays are often used to create additional branded visibility within store aisles, working alongside CDUs to strengthen overall product impact.
For fast turnaround requirements, you can also explore our standard FSDU range, which provides pre-designed floor-standing options that complement custom counter top displays. We’re proud to be a UK-based manufacturer of cardboard counter display units, delivering unbeatable turnaround times for retail campaigns.
We leave our competitors in the dust. Get next-day samples, ultra-fast quotes, and blazing-quick production. We’re proud to be UK-made and deliver unbeatable turnaround times.
CopperCloudsCDU by Envoprint on Sketchfab
CDU vs Floor Display Units: Which is Right for Your Retail Campaign?
Choosing between countertop display units and floor-standing displays depends on how and where you want to influence customer behaviour in-store. Both formats are highly effective, but they serve different roles within a retail environment.
| Feature | Countertop Display Units (CDUs) | Floor Display Units (FSDUs) |
|---|---|---|
| Placement | Positioned on counters or at checkout areas | Placed on the shop floor in high-traffic areas |
| Primary Purpose | Drive impulse purchases at point of sale | Attract attention and increase visibility from a distance |
| Product Type | Best for small, lightweight items (snacks, cosmetics, accessories) | Suitable for larger or bulkier products |
| Customer Interaction | Encourages quick, last-minute buying decisions | Engages customers earlier in the shopping journey |
| Space Requirement | Compact and space-saving | Requires more floor space |
| Visibility Level | Eye-level at checkout for immediate engagement | High visibility across store aisles or entrances |
| Campaign Use | Ideal for short-term promotions and add-on sales | Best for large-scale promotions and product launches |
| Flexibility | Easy to move and reposition | Less flexible due to size |
| Best Strategy | Used at checkout to convert interest into sales | Used to attract and guide customers toward products |
Our Range Of CDUs:
Standard CDUs
- Single-level, most cost-effective
- Ideal for lightweight products or snacks
- Example: Projects for EcoSpill Dirteeze and Tygris
Stepped
- Multiple levels, ascending towards the back
- Variable heights and compartments
- Example: Projects for CopperBond and Sourpatch Kids
Shelved
- Miniature FSDU style
- More expensive than standard or stepped units
- Lower weight capacity; exterior print standard
- Interior and shelves can also be printed if required
Fully Bespoke/Premium
- For higher-end units
- Higher pricing
- Insert foam
- Board
- Full Print
- Shaped header
- Example CDU designs from premium and bespoke projects we did for The Burnt Chef, Dementia UK, and Tyreweld.
- Specialist (card holder, tablet holder, etc.). This can be done to suit all styles of CDU as an option
We leave our competitors in the dust. Get next-day samples, ultra-fast quotes, and blazing-quick production. We’re proud to be UK-made and deliver unbeatable turnaround times.
Usage Tips for Counter Top Display Units
To get the most out of your custom CDU and maximise product visibility and sales, here are a few expert tips:
Place countertop POS stands near the point of sale (POS): Position CDUs close to checkouts or payment areas where they can prompt impulse purchases.
Keep them fully stocked: A well-stocked CDU gives a more professional appearance and ensures consistent product availability.
Use eye-level placement: On countertops, make sure the CDU is at eye level with the customer to improve engagement.
Highlight seasonal or promotional products: CDUs are ideal for spotlighting limited-time offers, samples, or new products.
Update regularly: Rotate products and graphics to keep the display fresh and customers engaged.
Consider lighting: For premium units, small spotlights or LED strips can enhance visibility and aesthetic appeal.
Brand consistently: Match CDU graphics with your overall in-store branding to build trust and recognition.
Match CDU style to product type: For heavier items, use shelved designs; for lightweight or snack items, standard or stepped styles often work best.
Popular Materials Used In Our CDU Manufacturing
- Acrylic Screen – Recyclable In Some Areas
- Polypropylene – Recyclable In Some Areas
- PVC Body – Recyclable In Some Areas
- Board Body – 100% Eco-Friendly
Request a CDU Quote Online
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the countertop display units be fully customised?
Yes. Every countertop display unit Envoprint produces is bespoke. You can customise the size, shape, compartments, print design, and even add features such as foam inserts, card holders, or shaped headers to match your brand and product perfectly.
What materials are the units made from?
Most units are made from strong, recyclable cardboard that is eco-friendly and lightweight, making them ideal for cardboard counter display units in UK retail environments. Other materials can also be incorporated if your product requires additional support or specialist finishes.
Are they strong enough to hold heavy products?
Yes, but the weight capacity depends on the design. Envoprint can adjust the internal structure, board thickness, and reinforcements to suit your product’s weight. It is best to mention your product weight during the design stage so the unit can be built to support it safely.
Can counter top display units be used outdoors or in humid environments?
A: While most CDUs are designed for indoor retail use, some materials like PVC or acrylic can handle light humidity. For outdoor or high-moisture environments, we recommend specialised finishes or protective coatings to ensure longevity.
How can I measure the ideal size for a CDU for my store?
The ideal size depends on your counter space, product dimensions, and customer flow. A good approach is to measure the available surface, consider eye-level visibility, and choose a CDU that allows easy product access without overcrowding the counter. Envoprint can advise on bespoke sizing to maximise sales and aesthetics.