In the highly competitive world of retail, where every inch of shelf space matters and consumer attention is fleeting, point of purchase (POP) displays have become a crucial marketing tool.
These strategically placed displays aim to attract shoppers at the moment they are making buying decisions, nudging them toward a specific brand or product. But what do manufacturers really want from their POP displays?
The answer is multifaceted, but ultimately it all comes down to one central goal: to sell more products. Let’s break down the key elements manufacturers look for when designing and ordering their point of purchase displays.
1. An Economical Price Point
No matter how brilliant the design or effective the placement, the first thing manufacturers consider is cost. In today’s cost-conscious business environment, manufacturers need displays that won’t eat too deeply into their marketing budgets.
Every dollar spent on a POP display needs to offer a return in the form of increased sales.
This doesn’t mean manufacturers are always looking for the cheapest option—but rather the best value.
They seek materials and designs that balance durability, functionality, and visual appeal with a reasonable price tag.
Many manufacturers work with display producers who can offer cost-efficient solutions like corrugated cardboard without sacrificing structural integrity or aesthetic appeal.
2. Plenty of Room for Branding
Brand visibility is critical in retail. One of the main advantages of a POP display is that it provides a canvas for strong, clear, and engaging branding.
Manufacturers want their displays to reinforce brand identity, communicate product benefits, and distinguish their offering from the competition—and printed professionally in bright, eye-catching, full-color.
Displays must include space for bold logos, taglines, product imagery, and key selling points. Branding should always be consistent with other marketing efforts—whether digital, in-store, or on-packaging—creating a cohesive message across all customer touchpoints.
3. An Eye-Catching Design
A POP display must do one thing above all else: stand out.
Retail environments are often cluttered and noisy, so a display that fades into the background won’t generate sales. Manufacturers want designs that turn heads, pique interest, and encourage interaction.
This could mean bold color schemes, creative shapes, or even interactive elements like lights, motion, or QR codes that link to videos or promotions.
Design is not only about looking good—it’s about commanding attention.
POP displays that spark curiosity or evoke emotion can draw consumers in and create an experience around the product, especially when the product itself isn’t immediately recognizable or lacks packaging flair.
The best display designers collaborate with manufacturers to create custom solutions that quickly relate the type of product, its features and what is does for the customer.
4. Fast Turnaround Times
In a retail landscape that moves at lightning speed, timing is everything. Manufacturers often work within tight deadlines due to seasonal campaigns, new product launches, or sudden retail opportunities.
They want POP displays that can be designed, produced, and delivered quickly—without compromising quality.
This demand for speed puts pressure on display manufacturers to streamline their production processes, offer flexible logistics, and maintain open lines of communication.
In many cases, a display company’s ability to turn around a project fast can be the deciding factor for a manufacturer choosing a supplier.
5. Maximized Product Capacity in Minimal Footprint
Retail floor space is limited and highly valuable. A display that takes up too much room without holding a sufficient quantity of product is a non-starter for most manufacturers.
They want displays that can showcase and stock as much product as possible while occupying the smallest possible footprint.
This requirement calls for intelligent structural design.
Manufacturers want displays that are space-efficient, vertically oriented when possible, and optimized to store various product shapes and sizes. Support reinforcements, and adjustable configurations all come into play to ensure the display performs well both visually and functionally.
In many cases, maximizing product per square inch not only pleases retailers but also reduces restocking frequency, which can lower labor costs and improve overall display performance.
6. Ease of Setup and Use
Another critical aspect is simplicity. POP displays are typically assembled at the store level—either by store staff or third-party merchandisers.
If a display is too complex or time-consuming to set up, it may never be used at all—or worse, may be set up incorrectly, diminishing its effectiveness.
Manufacturers want displays that are easy to assemble, ideally requiring no tools, no special skills, and minimal time. Clear instructions, pre-folded components, and intuitive construction are all part of what makes a display “retail-friendly.”
In fact, many retailers specifically ask for ready-to-go displays that ship fully stocked and ready to be rolled onto the floor.
Known as "pre-packed" or "shippers," these displays allow for seamless setup with almost no effort, making them very attractive to manufacturers who want to ensure consistency and maximize compliance in the field.
7. Displays That Drive Sales
At the end of the day, everything boils down to performance. Manufacturers invest in POP displays because they want to sell more products. The display must act as a silent salesperson—capturing attention, conveying the right message, and encouraging impulse purchases.
Successful POP displays typically lead to increased basket size, trial of new products, and stronger brand recall. That’s why manufacturers often track the ROI of each display, evaluating metrics like lift in sales, sell-through rate, and customer engagement.
The most effective displays combine all of the above elements—affordability, branding, design, speed, capacity, and usability—into a cohesive unit that not only looks good but also works hard.
Many top-performing displays are part of integrated marketing strategies that include digital tie-ins, loyalty programs, or limited-time offers that sweeten the deal and motivate buyers.
A Balancing Act with a Clear Goal
What do manufacturers want from their point of purchase displays? In essence, THEY WANT IT ALL!: cost-efficiency, strong branding, striking design, quality printing, fast production, space-smart construction, ease of use, and—most importantly—results.
Creating the perfect POP display requires close collaboration between manufacturers and display designers, attention to retail realities, and a deep understanding of consumer behavior.
Those who get it right enjoy stronger in-store presence, better retailer relationships, and—ultimately—a healthier bottom line.
In the fast-paced, high-stakes game of retail, a great point of purchase display isn’t just a nice addition—it’s a powerful tool that can make the difference between a product that sits on shelves and one that flies off them.
Let me know if you'd like a POP display adapted to your specific industry (like food, gardening, home products, etc.), an estimate is only a phone call away! 410-337-0066
