In retail, the terms POP and POS get tossed around a lot – and they're not the same thing. Both point-of-purchase (POP) displays and point-of-sale (POS) displays are tools to boost sales, but they work in different ways. In this friendly guide, we'll break down what POP and POS displays are, how they differ, and how each can fit into your sales strategy.
What Are Point-of-Purchase Displays?
Point-of-Purchase displays (POP displays) are marketing fixtures placed throughout a store to draw attention to products at the place where buying decisions are made. Also known as POP store displays or POP retail displays, these can appear in high-traffic areas of the shop – near the entrance, at the end of aisles, or next to the product they're promoting. The idea is to reach customers while they're browsing, not just when they're checking out.
POP displays come in many shapes and sizes. You might see a free-standing floor display packed with a new product line, a colorful sign or banner in the middle of an aisle, or even a pop up stand promoting a limited-time offer. Brands often invest in custom POP displays that match their branding and messaging, making their products stand out from the competition. A POP retail display can be as simple as a small countertop sign or as elaborate as a full-sized branded showcase – whatever stops shoppers in their tracks and gets them interested in the product.
What is a Point-of-Sale Display?
A point-of-sale (POS) display is a specialized retail display located at the place where the actual purchase transaction occurs – typically at or near the checkout counter (cash register). POS displays capitalize on the time when shoppers are waiting in line or finalizing their purchase, offering one last chance to grab their attention. By the time customers reach the point of sale, they have usually collected all the items they planned to buy. Any additional item they pick up at this stage is an unplanned, impulse purchase. POS displays are strategically placed to optimize these final moments and encourage that "one last thing" a shopper might grab while checking out.
Common locations for POS displays include checkout aisles and counters – Think of the candy racks, gum displays, or small electronics you often see near the cash register. These are classic POS displays meant to tempt shoppers into adding an extra item at the last second.
What Is the Difference Between POP and POS Displays?
POP and POS displays are both meant to boost retail sales, but they differ in a few important ways. Here's a quick comparison:
Location: POP displays can be placed nearly anywhere in the store – at the entrance, in aisles, next to related products, or as standalone islands. They're positioned where shoppers make buying decisions as they browse. POS displays, on the other hand, are located right at the point of sale (checkout counter or register). They occupy the limited space near the cash register where customers are ready to pay.
Purpose & Products: POP displays aim to influence purchase decisions by highlighting products and promotions throughout the shopping journey. They often showcase new, high-margin, or seasonal items and provide information or eye-catching designs to entice shoppers. POS displays serve a different purpose – they trigger impulse buys. These displays feature small, inexpensive products (think candy bars, magazines, travel gadgets, or gum) that shoppers can easily add to their purchase without much deliberation. In short, POP displays market bigger or new products to customers still shopping, while POS displays capitalize on last-minute add-ons at checkout.
Size & Design: Because POP displays are out on the sales floor, they tend to be larger or more visually striking. A POP display might be a full floor stand or a big endcap setup with bold signage to grab attention from afar. POS displays, by contrast, are usually compact and unobtrusive – they have to fit on a counter or in a tight checkout lane. You'll see a small rack or a countertop box as a POS display, designed to maximize limited space. POP units can be more elaborate (since they have more room), whereas POS units are all about making a big impact in a small footprint.
Customer Engagement: Shoppers encounter POP displays while they're still in browsing mode. A good POP display engages the customer, provides info or an attractive presentation, and helps them discover products they might not have sought out – essentially guiding the buying decision. By the time shoppers reach a POS display, they're in purchase mode (ready to check out). POS displays catch customers in a split-second decision moment – the engagement is quick and relies on impulse appeal. The customer doesn't spend much time thinking at a POS display; it's all about that immediate "Oh, I could use one of those!" reaction.
The Role of POP Displays in a Sales Strategy
In-store visibility: POP displays (point-of-purchase displays) put products directly in shoppers' path, beyond the regular shelf, making it more likely customers notice and choose your items.
Increased product facings: By placing additional custom POP displays on the sales floor, brands can stock more product volume and give shoppers extra opportunities to see and grab those products.
Highlight promotions and new items: Retailers use POP displays to showcase special promotions, new products, or seasonal offers. This strategic placement raises awareness of sales or limited-time deals and can prompt impulse buys.
Building brand awareness: Eye-catching POP materials (signage, standalone bins, etc.) reinforce your branding across the store, improving overall brand familiarity and presence in multiple locations.
Flexible placement: POP displays are versatile and movable. They can be positioned in high-traffic areas like endcaps or near store entrances, giving your brand an edge by reaching customers in various spots and maximizing convenience and exposure.
The Role of POS Displays in a Sales Strategy
Impulse purchase triggers: POS displays (point-of-sale displays) are placed near checkout counters to remind shoppers of last-minute wants or needs. Think of candy bars, lip balm, or magazines at the register – these displays are designed to spark impulse buys as customers prepare to pay.
Guaranteed exposure: Every shopper must visit the point of sale to complete their purchase, so a point-of-sale display virtually guarantees your product will be seen by all customers during their trip. This final touchpoint can capture attention even if the product wasn't on the shopping list.
What Are Common Point-of-Purchase Display Examples?
POP displays come in a variety of forms. Here are some common types of point-of-purchase displays you might encounter in retail:
Floor Display Stands: These are free-standing units that sit on the sales floor, often made of corrugated cardboard or sturdy plastic. Floor stands are usually positioned in high-traffic areas or near the products they promote. They can hold multiple items or a single product line.
Endcap Displays: An endcap is the display at the end of an aisle (the "cap" of the aisle). Endcaps naturally draw attention because shoppers can see them while walking the store's main pathways. They're prime real estate for special promotions or high-margin items.
Sidekick (Power Wing) Displays: These are smaller fixtures that attach to the side of a shelving unit or hang off an endcap. A sidekick display (also called a power wing) takes advantage of empty side space in an aisle.
Pallet Displays: Common in big-box stores or club warehouses, pallet displays are large floor displays built on a pallet base. Essentially, the product comes in on a pallet and doubles as a huge display stack.
Dump Bins and Baskets: A dump bin is an open-top bin (often cardboard or wire) that's filled with loose items, inviting customers to "dig in." These are a classic POP display for discounted or small items.
Pop-Up Stands and Standees: These are portable, easy-to-assemble displays that "pop up" for special promotions. A standee is often a life-size cut-out or banner that stands on its own.
Each of these POP display examples serves the same core purpose: to grab shopper attention away from the regular shelf and towards a featured product. By using a mix of these display types, a retailer can create a dynamic in-store experience where customers continuously discover things as they move through the store.
What Are Some Common Point-of-Sale Display Examples?
POS displays, being at the checkout area, have their own typical formats. Here are common examples of point-of-sale displays you'll see near cash registers:
Countertop Displays: These sit right on the checkout counter. Countertop displays can be small boxes, trays, or racks that hold products customers can easily pick up while their items are being rung up.
Checkout Aisle Rack: In many grocery stores or convenience stores, the checkout lane itself has a built-in rack or shelves along the side. These racks display impulse goodies like candy bars, snack packs, bottled drinks, and magazines.
Peg Hook Displays (Clip Strips): These are small hanging displays, often strips with hooks, that can be attached near the register or on existing fixtures. They hold items that hang, usually lightweight packaged goods.
Freestanding Impulse Stands: If space allows, some retailers place a small floor stand right next to the checkout counter or in the queue area. These are mini versions of floor displays specifically for the POS zone.
Point-of-Sale Signage: While not a "display stand" for products, signage at the checkout is worth mentioning. These are signs or small digital screens showcasing promotions or add-on services (like "Buy 2 get 1 free on candy!" or "Sign up for our loyalty program.").
Ready to elevate your in-store marketing? Contact us today to request a custom display quote for your very own POP or POS display. A tailored display stand could be just the thing to make your products stand out and to turn browsing shoppers into buyers – let's make it happen!