Strategies to design POP displays that drive sales

Designing POP (Point of Purchase) display units is one of the most powerful strategies for supermarkets and points of sale to capture shopper attention.

That is why, when it is implemented correctly, it not only improves product visibility — it also drives sales and reinforces brand positioning.

But it is not just about putting a nice display in the aisle: it is about creating a visual, emotional and functional experience that connects with your customer in seconds.

 

What is POP and why does it influence buying decisions?

POP (Point of Purchase) covers all the promotional materials placed in physical retail spaces to capture consumer attention.

From a single visual touchpoint to a large promotional installation, the goal of POP is clear: to influence the very moment of the purchase decision.

In an environment as competitive as retail, where every centimetre of shelf counts, shelf displays act as real attention triggers.

Strategically placed, they combine physical in-store advertising with visual purchase impulse, creating a direct connection between product and shopper.

Good in-store advertising also improves the visual shopping experience, reinforces the brand message and boosts product recall.

At a single glance, the customer must understand what it is, what it is for and why to choose it over others. And this is where design plays a fundamental role.

 

What types of POP displays exist?

When designing a POP display, it is key to know the different available formats and which one best fits your strategy.

On one hand, we have custom displays for points of sale, designed to fit specific in-store spaces.

Another major split is the one between temporary and permanent POP.

• Temporary displays usually have a shorter lifespan (weeks or months) and focus on tactical objectives such as promotions or new product launches.

• Permanent displays, on the other hand, are designed to stay in-store for months or years and seek to generate a continuous brand presence.

On the other hand, supermarket displays tend to stand out for their size, sturdiness and ease of assembly.

In every case, the key is that the design is geared towards visual product presentation, drives product rotation in-store and integrates with the rest of your promotional merchandising strategy.

 

Creativity, sustainability and personalisation: the new keys to POP design

A display’s success does not depend only on materials or location. Today, brands are looking for much more.

Creativity in design, sustainability and personalisation are the new rules of the game.

 

1. Creativity is not just about aesthetics.

A creative POP display can make your product stand out, be remembered and become a talking point.

Adding unusual shapes, clear messages or surprising visual effects can make the difference between being ignored and becoming the centre of attention.

 

2. Sustainability is also key

More and more brands are betting on sustainable POP design, using recyclable materials, eco-friendly inks and responsible production processes.

Because beyond caring for the planet, this strategy also improves brand perception among conscious consumers.

 

3. And of course, personalisation is essential.

Point-of-purchase advertising adapts not only to your brand identity but also to the context of each store. From the graphic design of the display to its physical elements, everything must align with the message you want to convey.

This is where one of the most important keys comes in: how to make products stand out in-store.

Being present is no longer enough — you have to make an impact. And to achieve that, you can use attention-grabbing design, colour combinations, directional lighting, concise messages and a structure that makes interaction easy.

The final goal is to create a creative product display that turns glances into purchases.

In short, point-of-purchase advertising goes well beyond a simple support: it is a strategic visual marketing tool, capable of emotionally connecting with your customer, boosting brand recall and triggering immediate action.