The overlooked difference between visibility and conversion — and how POP displays close the gap
Creating a great product is just the first step. The real challenge in physical retail is making shoppers notice, engage, and buy at the shelf level. This is where a POP (Point-of-Purchase) display becomes essential — not just a stand, but your silent salesperson. Yet, many brands overspend or underperform with POP setups that don’t match their product goals or store format.
Table of Contents
In this guide, you’ll learn what a POP display is, the different types available, cost drivers, and practical tips to help your brand stand out in-store while keeping budgets under control.
What Is a POP Display?
A POP display is a branded structure placed near a product in-store to attract attention, encourage trial, and boost conversion. It may be a countertop unit, a freestanding floor display, or even a glorifier focused on a hero SKU. Done right, it:
- Captures attention at the purchase moment
- Encourages impulse buying or product discovery
- Reinforces visual branding
- Supports new launches or gifting campaigns
Real example: When L’Oréal launched Revitalift in Southeast Asia travel retail, they used modular countertop POP trays with LED-lit risers and QR-code mood cards, driving +37% trial rate over regular shelf placement.
👀 Why Keep Reading?
Because POP displays are often misunderstood. This post will show you:
- The difference between POP and POS
- How to choose materials that match your category
- How to avoid overspending while boosting ROI
- Proven layouts used by brands like Lancôme, Ray-Ban, and Omega
🧠 POP vs. POS Display — What’s the Difference?
| Display Type | Full Form | Location | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| POP | Point of Purchase | Near product shelf or floor zone | Fragrance glorifier, sunglass counter riser |
| POS | Point of Sale | At checkout or cashier area | Cardboard tray with snacks or impulse gift sets |
POP = storytelling + display
POS = conversion at payment zone
🧱 7 Common POP Display Types (With Material Suggestions)
| Type | Description | Common Materials |
|---|---|---|
| Countertop Display | Sits on a table, shelf, or counter | Acrylic, PU-wrapped MDF, metal |
| Floor Display (FSDU) | Freestanding, often in aisle | Corrugated board, powder-coated steel |
| Glorifier Display | Elevated unit for one or few SKUs | Acrylic + LED, brushed aluminum |
| Tester Tray | Holds product testers + scent strips | EVA foam, velvet, custom print panels |
| Endcap Display | At the end of a gondola shelf | MDF, printed backer, modular trays |
| Inline Shelf POP | Hooks or shelf-talkers | PET, vacuum-formed plastic |
| Window Display Prop | Installed in storefront VM zones | Foamboard, PVC, backlit elements |
Example: For a Cartier Tank watch campaign in China, the glorifier used a real marble base, with brass inlays and no lighting, relying on boutique ambient light to evoke luxury.
🎯 What Makes a POP Display Effective?
- Focused Messaging – One product = one message
- Customer Interaction – Try me mirror, QR scan, test strip access
- Brand Consistency – Fonts, logo, and tone aligned with brand language
- Structural Stability – Must handle foot traffic and repeated handling
- Easy Setup – Modular design for regional rollouts
Pro Tip: Use contrast materials like matte + gloss, or light diffusion layers to enhance visual depth.
💰 What Impacts the Cost of a POP Display?
| Factor | Description |
|---|---|
| Material | Acrylic & metal are premium; cardboard is budget-friendly |
| Printing Techniques | UV print, foil stamp, or laser engraving affect cost |
| Lighting Integration | LED strips, battery packs, USB modules add 10–30% |
| Packaging Format | Knock-down saves freight but adds setup time |
| Tooling & Mold Costs | For custom vacuum-formed or injection parts |
| Minimum Order Quantity | Usually 50–100 units per design |
Example: A PU-wrapped tester tray for a luxury skincare brand cost $16.50/unit ex-factory with UV print logo, magnetic label inserts, and KD packaging for global rollout.
📦 When Should Brands Use POP Displays?
- Product Launch Campaigns
- Seasonal Retail Events (Mother’s Day, Valentine’s, Holiday)
- Limited Editions or GWPs (Gift With Purchase)
- Window Promotions or Store Takeovers
- Duty-Free or Multi-brand Counters
Fact: Studies show that well-placed POP displays can increase SKU visibility by 45% and trial conversion by 2–3x compared to shelf-only placement.
💬 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Are POP displays reusable?
A: Yes. Most semi-permanent displays are designed for multiple campaigns — with interchangeable headers or swappable graphic sleeves.
Q: What’s the minimum order quantity (MOQ)?
A: For acrylic, MDF, or metal displays: usually 50–100 units per model. Paperboard units may have higher MOQs due to die-cut setup.
Q: How long does production take?
A: Sampling: 7–15 days
Mass production: 20–30 days
Shipping: 10–30 days depending on region and mode (air/sea)
✅ Conclusion: POP Displays Are Strategic, Not Just Decorative
- Use POP displays to influence buying decisions in the last few feet
- Design around SKU focus, brand tone, and store dynamics
- Choose materials and finishes that support your category value
- Work with suppliers who understand both retail psychology and engineering
At Samtop, we partner with brands to create POP displays that convert, combining aesthetic strategy with rollout-ready practicality.
📩 Want to Launch a POP Display That Performs?
We provide:
- Concept-to-production POP display design
- Lighting, risers, tester zone integration
- Costed BOMs, 3D mockups, and factory samples
- Knock-down packaging for global shipping
