In a retail environment, there’s one thing every product wants: attention. And in a busy store with competing brands, limited floor space, and customers who are just “looking around,” getting buyers’ attention is easier said than done.
That’s where retail POP displays come in.
POP stands for “Point of Purchase,” and when done right, these printed displays can stop a shopper in their tracks, create a micro-moment of interest, and convert that moment into a sale. They’re the silent salespeople doing the heavy lifting when no one’s around. And if you’re in charge of marketing, merchandising, or store design—this is one of your most powerful tools.
Let’s break down how retail POP displays can turn casual browsers into confident buyers—and how CR&A Custom helps brands design and produce POP materials that actually work in the wild.
Is There a Difference between POP and POS Displays?
POP (Point of Purchase) and POS (Point of Sale) are often used interchangeably in retail, but they’re not the same. Here’s the difference:
POP – Point of Purchase (Goal: To influence the decision)
The point of purchase is actually anywhere in the store where a buying decision can be influenced. The purpose of a POP display is to attract attention, create interest, and encourage consideration. The displays are meant to engage customers while they’re browsing—turning passive interest into an active choice. POP display examples include:
Cardboard floor displays with stacked product
Endcap signage or shelf extenders
Dump bins or tiered racks
Free-standing displays with graphics
Window clings and aisle violators
Countertop displays with small takeaways
Backdrops or branded environments
POS – Point of Sale (Goal: To close the sale)
The point of sale is right at the checkout or transaction area. POS displays are meant to finalize the sale or drive impulse purchases at the moment of payment. POS displays are all about capturing attention right before someone pulls out their wallet. Examples include:
Countertop displays
Register signage
Last-minute add-ons (candy, gift cards, mini products)
Digital displays at the cashier
If you’re designing a retail campaign, it’s common to include both POP and POS. A well-placed POP display draws people in, and a strategic POS setup seals the deal. Whether you're launching a seasonal promotion, introducing a new product, or trying to stand out in a crowded category, POP displays give your product a boost.
Why POP Displays Work (If You Do Them Right)
1. POP Displays Disrupt the Scroll
Just like a good ad breaks your scrolling online, a well-placed POP display interrupts a shopper’s autopilot behavior in-store. A bright color, bold message, or unusual shape gets them to pause—giving your product a shot at engagement.
2. POP Displays Provide Context
POP displays aren’t just about showing products—they’re about telling stories. A graphic that says “Great for Back-to-School Lunches” or “Hydration for Hikers” helps the customer connect the dots. You’re not selling a water bottle—you’re selling peace of mind on a trail.
3. POP Displays Reduce Friction
Shoppers don’t want to work hard. A display that makes it clear what the product is, how much it costs, and what makes it special takes the guesswork out of buying. That reduces hesitation—and hesitation is the enemy of conversion.
4. POP Displays Trigger Impulse Buys
We’ve all walked into a store for one thing and walked out with five. That’s not an accident. Retail POP displays tap into our tendency to grab what catches our eye—especially if it’s a good deal, a limited-time offer, or tied to a moment (think holidays or new product drops).
POP Display Design Tips That Convert
Here’s what separates the effective displays from the ones collecting dust:
Keep Messaging Simple
You have seconds to get your message across. One key benefit. One call to action. Maybe a price point. No paragraphs. No clutter.
Use Vertical Space
Eye-level placement works. So does tiered shelving or header signage that draws attention from across the aisle. The higher the visibility, the better.
Match Your Audience
A kids’ snack display and a luxury skincare display should not look the same. Fonts, colors, materials, and layout all need to align with who you’re talking to.
Make It Touch-Friendly
The more tactile the experience, the more memorable the product. Encourage pick-up, test, sample, or interaction if the product allows for it.
Make It Store-Friendly
A beautiful display that’s a nightmare to assemble or restock is going to get pushed to the back. We design with retail staff in mind, too—easy assembly, sturdy construction, and smart packaging.
CR&A Custom Knows POP Displays
We’ve produced retail POP displays for national campaigns, boutique product launches, and everything in between. Our team handles the full process:
Strategy & Concept
We don’t just ask, “What do you want it to look like?” We ask, “Where is it going? Who’s buying it? What’s your shelf space like?” We design for real-world conditions, not just mockups.
Material Selection
From temporary corrugated cardboard displays to long-lasting acrylic or foam core options, we help you choose materials that hold up to traffic, support your product weight, and fit your budget.
Large Format Printing
We use in-house digital printing with vibrant, high-resolution color output. Every image, logo, and message comes out crisp and brand-accurate.
Structural Engineering
Not all POP displays are flat signs. We design, prototype, and build 3D displays that ship flat, assemble easily, and stay standing—even in high-traffic areas.
Production & Fulfillment
Need hundreds of displays shipped to stores across California? We’ve got the logistics covered. We can pack, kit, and ship your POP program to stores or distribution centers on your schedule.
Installation (Optional)
In the greater L.A. area, we even offer professional installation if your program requires it—like mall kiosks, window displays, or custom shelving.
Trends in Retail POP Displays (2025 and Beyond)
Looking ahead, here’s where things are going:
Sustainable Materials – Retailers are pushing for recyclable, biodegradable, or reusable display components. We’re already working with eco-friendly substrates that meet those needs.
QR Codes & Smart Interactivity – Displays that link to product videos, reviews, or digital coupons are getting more common. QR codes are easy to print, and we know where and how to place them.
Custom Fit for Micro-Retail – More stores are scaling down formats. That means more countertop POP, window graphics, and compact, efficient floor units.
Personalized Campaigns by Region or Store Type – Chains are moving away from one-size-fits-all. We can design regional or location-based variations to match demographics and store environments.
Ready to Create a POP Display That Works?
At CR&A Custom, we don’t believe in print-and-pray marketing. We believe in thoughtful design, strategic messaging, and retail displays that are built to sell. Whether you’re launching a new product, refreshing an old one, or just trying to make the most of your floor space, we’ll help you turn browsers into buyers—one display at a time.
Let’s build something that stands out and sells.
Contact us to talk through your next retail POP display project or check out our large format printing services for inspiration.
Because in retail, visibility is everything—and we’re here to make sure you don’t go unnoticed.
