Unlocking Retail Success: Mastering POP Displays and POS Materials

In the ever-evolving world of retail, I’ve come to learn that terms that sound similar can cause confusion, and Point-of-Purchase (POP) displays and Point-of-Sale (POS) materials are no exceptions. Both stand as cornerstones for driving brand visibility and differentiation from the competition. But they have very different roles and use cases even though they sound alike.  

So, let’s set your foundational knowledge, then dive in to the nuances to make it easier for you to make informed decisions that go beyond the aesthetics of displays and delve into the nuanced art of influencing customer behavior. I’ve learned a lot about how to leverage POP displays and POS materials over the years of working with big retailers like Walmart and Target, and I want to pass some of those secrets on to you.  

Get into the subtle dynamics of POP displays and POS materials to understand how these elements can contribute to your brand’s retail success.

Decoding the Dance: POP Displays and POS Materials 

As part of your foundational understanding, it’s important to know that POP displays, strategically placed to captivate customer attention, function as promotional elements designed to encourage spontaneous purchases.  

While, on the flip side, POS materials, including aisle violators and shelf talkers near the point of sale, contribute to the overall customer experience by providing information and enhancing brand image. 

Now, on to the nuances between the two. Up first, POP displays, then onto POS materials. 

Optimal Utilization of POP Displays 

POP Display Example: Modular End Caps

1. Product Launches and Special Offers: Well-crafted POP displays serve as beacons for brand visibility, making them ideal for launching new products or promoting exclusive offers. Imagine a captivating display introducing a new product, creating a visual narrative that invites customers to explore and engage.
2. Seasonal and Limited-Time Item Promotions: Strategic placement of POP displays creates a sense of urgency, effectively promoting seasonal or limited-time items. The visual appeal and prominence of these displays draw customers in, fostering an environment where they feel compelled to make timely purchases.

3. Elevating Brand Visibility for Emerging Brands: Brands new to retail seeking heightened visibility can significantly benefit from strategically positioned POP displays. These displays act as equalizers on the retail stage, providing emerging brands with an opportunity to shine amidst larger competitors.

4. Seizing the Moment of Impulse Buys: POP displays, strategically showcasing products, serve as catalysts for triggering spontaneous purchases. The allure of well-presented items and the psychology of impulse buying come together harmoniously, creating moments of serendipitous retail success.

Strategically Deploying POS Materials for Retail Excellence

POS Materials Examples: In-store Advertising Hang Tags and Aisle Violators

1. Information Delivery at the Point of Sale: POS materials shine as educational tools, delivering detailed information at the point of sale. Imagine a customer standing at the checkout counter, glancing at a well-designed dangler that informs them about product features, benefits, or promotions, influencing their purchasing decision positively. 

2. Crafting a Positive Brand Image: High-quality POS materials contribute to a positive brand perception. The strategic placement of aesthetically pleasing shelf talkers and aisle violators near the point of sale reinforces the brand's identity, creating a lasting impression on customers as they complete their transactions.

3. Campaign and Promotion Support: During targeted campaigns or promotions, POS materials come to life, effectively communicating details such as discounts, loyalty programs, or contests. They become the messengers of special offers, inviting customers to take part in the excitement and enhancing their overall shopping experience.

4. Enhancing the In-Store Experience Coherently: POS materials contribute to a cohesive in-store experience, aligning with overall branding and messaging. Their presence enhances the ambiance, creating a visually unified space that reinforces brand identity and resonates with customers on a subconscious level.

Balancing Act for Retail Triumph 

Understanding the unique strengths of both POP displays and POS materials is crucial to make the right decisions for your brand. There’s an optimal balance to be struck. Integrating these elements creates a dynamic and engaging shopping environment that resonates powerfully with customers. Consider the following strengths of each application when deciding how you want your brand to appear in-store.

Choosing between POP displays and POS materials requires nuanced considerations aligned with brand objectives and customer dynamics. At InStore Design Display, we remain steadfast in our commitment to providing customized solutions that elevate your retail strategy, ensuring a seamless blend of visibility, brand loyalty, and the triumphant crescendo of retail success. 

As the retail landscape continues to evolve, brands that master the art of POP displays and POS materials will not only capture attention but also create lasting impressions that resonate with customers long after they leave the store.

It's a dance of strategy, psychology, and visual appeal, and with InStore Design Display as your expert guide and trusted partner, your brand can navigate this intricate terrain with confidence and flair.

Need some creative ideas to get you started? Reach out via our contact form, and we’ll get cracking on concepts that will blow your mind and help your product stand out in-store. 

About the Author
Chrisine Wright (aka Retail Solutionista) is InStore Design Display's Senior Account Director. She co-hosts the Blue Light Special Podcast, where CPG brand marketers go to learn more about retail and real life. Follow her on LinkedIn where she regularly talks about #cpg, #retail, #displaymarketing, #shoppermarketing, and #singlemomlife.