POS (Point of Sale) and POP (Point of Purchase) display stands are specially designed promotional and structural units used to showcase products directly in retail environments (such as supermarkets, shopping malls, pharmacies, or trade fairs).
Although these acronyms are often used interchangeably, they differ slightly in perspective: POS reflects the viewpoint of the retailer or store, whereas POP focuses on the perspective of the customer making the purchase. Their primary goal is to capture the consumer’s attention, make the brand stand out from the competition, and stimulate impulse buying.
Main types of POS/POP stands
Depending on the intended location and the type of product offered, several popular types of displays can be distinguished:
- Floor stands: Large, freestanding structures (often multi-tiered) that sit directly on the floor. They allow for the display of larger quantities of merchandise and are highly visible from a distance.
- Counter displays: Smaller stands placed near checkout counters or on shop counters. Ideal for showcasing small items (e.g., chewing gum, cosmetics, batteries, or mobile phone accessories).
- Pallet displays: Large containers placed directly on transport pallets (e.g., Euro pallets), designed for the mass display of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG).
- Totems and advertising stands: Flat or three-dimensional cardboard figures serving primarily branding and informational purposes; they are often die-cut into the shape of the promoted product or a character.
- Display islands: Complex, multi-component structures that create a dedicated brand zone within the store.
What materials are they made from?
The choice of material depends on the budget, the planned duration of the display, and the weight of the products:
- Cardboard and corrugated board: The most popular choice due to their lightweight nature, ease of flat-pack transport, eco-friendliness, and low cost. They are perfectly suited for short-term promotional campaigns (e.g., seasonal or holiday-themed). They are often laminated (covered with high-quality printed paper). 2. Plastics (Plexiglass, PVC, acrylic): Durable and moisture-resistant; used for long-term displays in high-traffic areas.
- Metal and wood: Used when the stand must support very heavy products (e.g., electronics, beverages in glass bottles) and withstand years of use.
Key advantages of POS/POP stands
- Effective “silent salesperson”: They catch customers’ eyes in store aisles and encourage the purchase of products not originally on their shopping list.
- Increased brand visibility: Attractive graphics and unique shapes ensure the product stands out rather than getting lost among dozens of other items on standard shelves.
- Flexibility and mobility: Cardboard versions are lightweight, easy to assemble (foldable without tools), and simple to dispose of once the marketing campaign ends.
- Space optimization: They allow for the utilization of hard-to-reach areas within the store, such as checkout zones or empty aisle corners.