In the competitive world of retail, how products are displayed can have a direct impact on sales. Retail display solutions are not just functional fixtures — they’re strategic tools that can make or break a product’s success at the point of sale. Whether you’re a high street retailer, a brand exhibiting at trade shows or a business owner aiming to stand out in-store, selecting the right display unit is crucial.
Two of the most common and effective types of point of sale displays are the counter display unit and the free-standing display unit. Both serve unique purposes within retail environments, but which one is right for your product, promotion or retail space?
What Is a Counter Display Unit?
Definition and Key Features of a Countertop Display Unit
A counter display unit (CDU) is a compact, often lightweight POS display designed to sit atop a checkout counter, shelving unit or reception desk. These units are typically placed in high-traffic areas near the point of purchase to encourage impulse buying and highlight smaller products.
Made from materials such as cardboard, acrylic or corrugated board, counter display units are versatile and easily customised to reflect a brand’s identity. Their size and placement make them ideal for limited retail spaces or promotional events like trade shows and product launches.
Benefits of Counter Display Units
- Space-saving: Ideal for retailers with limited floor space.
- Impulse purchase catalyst: Positioned at checkout, CDUs encourage last-minute buys.
- Mobility: Easy to move, refill and reposition based on customer traffic.
- Customisable branding: Options for bespoke design, colours and messaging
Common Use Cases
- Impulse dump bins for sweets or accessories near tills.
- Promotional counter displays showcasing new products
- Showcasing premium small items such as cosmetics or tech accessories.
What Is a Free‑Standing Display Unit?
Definition and Key Features of a Free‑Standing or Floor Display Unit (FSDU)
A free-standing display unit (FSDU), also known as a floor standing display unit, is a stand-alone POP display used to promote and display products independently from standard shelving. FSDUs are designed to be placed on the retail floor, typically in aisles or promotional hotspots.
Constructed using cardboard, acrylic or plastic, FSDUs are robust and visually engaging. Their scale and customisation potential make them highly effective at grabbing customer attention.
Benefits of Free‑Standing Display Units
- Maximum visibility: Ideal for high-traffic areas in retail stores.
- Product volume: Can hold larger or multiple SKUs in bulk.
- Brand presence: Strong visual branding opportunities with bespoke shapes and finishes.
- Versatile usage: Perfect for promotions, seasonal campaigns and events.
Common Use Cases
- Launching new product ranges with bold branding.
- Displaying bulk items such as drinks or packaged goods.
- POS displays at trade exhibitions or shopping centre promotions.
Display Unit Showdown — Head‑to‑Head
| Feature | Counter Display Unit | Free-Standing Display Unit (FSDU) |
| Size & Placement | Small, sits on counters or shelves | Large, floor-placed in retail areas |
| Visibility & Footprint | High at checkout, low footprint | Maximum visibility, larger footprint |
| Product Capacity | Limited capacity, suitable for small items | Can hold multiple or larger products |
| Cost & Installation | Low-cost, easy to install | Variable cost, may require more setup |
| Customisation & Branding | Fully customisable, often compact designs | High-impact bespoke branding options |
| Flexibility & Mobility | Highly mobile and lightweight | Reusable but bulkier |
Which Display Is Better for Your Needs?
The right retail display depends on your specific objectives. Use the guide below to help assess your needs:
- Do you have limited floor space? → Go for a counter display unit.
- Need to showcase many products or larger items? → Choose a free-standing display unit.
- Running a short-term promotion at checkout? → CDUs are ideal.
- Planning a product launch or trade event? → FSDUs will deliver a strong visual impact.
- Looking for mobility and ease of use? → Countertop units are lighter and more flexible.
- Want bold branding to stand out in-store? → Floor standing units offer maximum visibility.
Customisation & Materials
Materials and Custom Display Options
At Envoprint, we offer a wide range of materials for custom retail displays:
- Cardboard: Cost-effective, recyclable and fully printable.
- Acrylic: Durable and stylish; perfect for premium displays.
- Plastic and Foamex: Lightweight and adaptable.
- Metal: For heavy-duty or long-term POS displays.
Sustainability and Durability Considerations
Choosing between materials should also consider environmental impact and durability:
At Envoprint, we proudly offer UK-manufactured, sustainable display solutions, supporting both performance and environmental goals.
- Cardboard displays are eco-friendly, recyclable and ideal for short-to-medium-term use.
- Acrylic units last longer, suitable for high-end or permanent displays, but are less eco-conscious.
- At Envoprint, we proudly offer UK-manufactured, sustainable display solutions, supporting both performance and environmental goals.
Integrating Displays into Your Retail Strategy
Point of Sale Strategy Tips
Retailers often gain the most by using both unit types strategically:
- Use countertop display units near checkout areas for high-margin items.
- Position floor standing units in store aisles, endcaps, or at trade shows for maximum exposure.
Best Practices for Retailers
- Rotate units seasonally to maintain shopper interest.
- Monitor footfall and adjust unit placement for maximum ROI.
- Align displays with broader marketing campaigns for consistent brand messaging.
5 Mistakes to Avoid with Counter & Free‑Standing Displays
- Overcrowding products — this can overwhelm the customer.
- Inconsistent branding across your POS display stands.
- Ignoring refill and maintenance routines.
- Placing units without analysing customer flow or footpath.
- Choosing the wrong unit size for the product or retail space.
Future Trends in POS Displays
Looking ahead, retail displays are becoming more innovative:
- Digital integration: Screens and interactive elements embedded in stands.
- Smart shelving: IoT-enabled displays tracking stock levels and customer interactions.
- Eco-design: Continued shift towards recyclable and biodegradable materials.
Conclusion & CTAs
Both counter display units and free-standing display units play critical roles in successful retail and promotional strategies. While CDUs are perfect for compact, high-impact displays at checkout, FSDUs provide bold, flexible solutions for larger retail spaces and campaigns.
At Envoprint, we specialise in creating bespoke point of sale display stands tailored exactly to your brand, product and space. Whether you need a space-saving counter unit or a heavy-duty FSDU, we’re here to help bring your retail vision to life.
Explore our custom display stand solutions or contact us today to discuss your next promotional display project.
Explore our guide on What is an FSDU? A Complete Guide to Free-Standing Display Units and Custom FSDU Unit vs Off-the-Shelf Display Unit: What’s Best for Your Brand?.