In today’s competitive retail environment, standing out at the point of purchase has never been more important. A well-designed point-of-sale display not only captures customer attention but also drives impulse sales and reinforces brand identity. From free-standing display units to countertop stands, the right POS marketing strategy can transform everyday retail spaces into powerful branding opportunities.

What Is a Point-of-Sale Display (POS Display)?

A point-of-sale display (POS display) is a strategically positioned stand or unit within a retail environment designed to promote products and encourage purchasing decisions. Often located near checkout counters or high-footfall zones, these displays aim to attract customer attention precisely at the point of purchase.

While often used interchangeably with point of purchase (POP) displays, the two have subtle differences. POS displays are typically situated at the place where transactions occur — like tills — whereas POP displays may appear anywhere throughout the store.

In today’s competitive retail landscape, POS marketing is a key tool in a brand’s arsenal, particularly as traditional advertising struggles to hold consumer attention. With effective retail branding, POS displays provide a unique opportunity to blend promotion with presence, creating memorable brand experiences right in-store.

Types of POS Display Units You Should Know

Different retail environments and promotional goals call for different types of POS display units. Below are some of the most popular and effective options:

Display Type	Description	Ideal For
Free-standing Display Units (FSDUs)	Self-supporting and placed anywhere in-store	Promotions, seasonal offers, new launches
Countertop Displays	Small units that sit on counters or shelves	Impulse buys, cosmetics, gift items
Dump Bins & Merchandisers	Open bins for loose products	Bulk items, special offers
Shelf Talkers & Poster Frames	Attached to shelving or walls with A5, A4 or A3 signage	Product info, brand promotion
Wall-mounted Units	Fixed to walls to save floor space	Limited-space environments, brochures
Display Plinths	Raised stands, often with branding	High-end goods, exhibitions

These branded display units not only serve a functional role in product placement but also contribute significantly to your brand’s visual identity within a retail setting.

How POS Displays Drive Brand Visibility & SalesHow POS Displays Drive Brand Visibility & Sales

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A well-designed point-of-sale stand can dramatically impact both visibility and conversion rates. Here’s how:

Enhances retail branding: A visually distinctive POS display reinforces brand recall and helps products stand out from competitors.
Boosts impulse purchases: Studies suggest POS displays can increase unplanned purchases by up to 70%, especially for FMCG items.
Supports promotional campaigns: From product launches to seasonal promotions, POS units provide a tangible platform for messaging.
Influences buyer psychology: Positioning a display unit in a customer’s direct line of sight increases engagement and dwell time.

Example metrics:

FSDUs have shown to increase product interaction by 40%
Countertop displays near tills can boost impulse sales by up to 65%

POS Display Design Best Practices

Creating an effective POS display involves balancing visual appeal with practical functionality. Consider these design elements:

Visual Design

Colour & graphics: Use brand colours and vibrant, contrasting tones to attract attention.
Typography: Legible fonts in appropriate sizes are crucial for conveying messaging.
Imagery: High-quality images evoke emotion and encourage interaction.

Materials

Acrylic and Clear Acrylic: Sleek and durable, ideal for high-end displays.
Foamex: Lightweight and print-friendly, suitable for temporary or seasonal displays.
Metal: Adds durability for long-term installations.
Flat pack options: Cost-effective and easy to transport.

Messaging

Clear signage, consistent branding and promotional messaging ensure the unit communicates effectively at a glance.

Accessibility

Height & reach: Ensure products are within comfortable reach.
Product presentation: Arrange items neatly and logically to encourage engagement.

Bullet-point checklist:

Use clear acrylic for a premium finish
Incorporate A3, A4 or A5 leaflets for additional messaging
Opt for foamex backing for lightweight strength
Ensure branding is consistently applied across all surfaces

Strategic Placement & Merchandising Tips

Where and how you position your display stand can significantly influence its effectiveness.

Ideal Locations:

Checkout counters (perfect for countertop display cases)
End-caps (the aisle ends, great for high-traffic visibility)
Impulse zones (near entrances or high-footfall areas)

Merchandising Tips:

Use leaflet holders to supplement information.
Employ both landscape and portrait orientations for varied content.
Refresh displays with seasonal promotions to maintain interest.

By rotating displays and tying them to marketing calendars, you maintain relevance and maximise return on investment.

Sourcing and Assembling POS Display Stands

At Envoprint, we specialise in bespoke point-of-sale display stands, helping you find the right fit for your brand and budget.

Options Include:

Flat-pack units: Economical and ideal for self-assembly.
Custom-built displays: Designed precisely to fit your product and space requirements.

Logistical Considerations:

Ensure displays are easy to assemble and disassemble.
Choose modular stands for future flexibility.
Prioritise durable materials for reusability and storage between campaigns.

Envoprint’s in-house manufacturing ensures fast turnarounds and stringent quality control. Our team is renowned for delivering the “impossible”, helping brands like yours make an unforgettable impact.

Explore our custom display stands to see how we can support your next campaign.

Measuring ROI and Display Effectiveness

To validate your investment in POS marketing, it’s vital to measure outcomes effectively.

Key Metrics:

Sales lift: Compare product sales before and after display deployment.
Dwell time: Monitor how long customers engage with the display.
Conversion rate: Evaluate purchases made from display interaction.

Tracking Methods:

SKU uplift analysis

Scan-data from EPOS systems

Customer surveys or feedback forms

Bonus: Sustainability in POS Displays

As environmental concerns grow, brands are under pressure to adopt greener practices.

Eco-Friendly Approaches:

Use recycled cardboard and foamex
Choose recyclable acrylic options
Design for reuse or flat storage between campaigns

Envoprint offers a wide range of sustainable materials and UK manufacturing, reducing carbon footprint and supporting your CSR goals.

Bonus: Interactive and Digital Enhancements

Modern POS displays can go beyond print with digital engagement tools:

QR codes linking to videos or offers
Touchscreens for product demos
LED lightboxes for visual impact

These features not only increase customer engagement but also support data collection and retargeting strategies.

Final Thoughts

A thoughtfully designed point-of-sale display is more than a merchandising tool — it’s a powerful vehicle for brand visibility, engagement and conversion. With a wide array of materials, styles and strategic placement options, businesses can tailor displays to their exact goals and audience needs.

Envoprint is your trusted partner in creating branded display units that don’t just look good — they perform. With decades of experience, UK manufacturing and unbeatable client service, we’re here to help your products stand out from the crowd. Contact Envoprint today to discuss your bespoke POS display requirements.

Explore our guide on POS Display Trends 2025: What Retailers Need To Know and How To Design High-Impact POS Displays That Convert.