07.05.2026

Designing effective POS materials: what you need to know

In brief

• A well-designed POS material captures attention at the decisive moment and drives increased in-store sales
• The “We think, design, produce” approach from POP Solutions ensures bespoke supports aligned with your objectives
• The choice of material (FSC cardboard, metal, PEFC wood, plastic) depends on campaign duration and installation environment
• Measurable data (stop rate, lifespan, ROI) helps optimise every POS display investment

Why are POS materials crucial for your marketing strategy?

A well-designed POS display is a visual communication lever that captures consumer attention at the decisive moment of purchase. It strengthens in-store visibility by enhancing both the product and the brand image. At POP Solutions, we design supports that transform the customer journey into a high-performing sales experience.

The steps to design effective POS materials

Designing POS materials that truly capture attention requires a rigorous methodology. At POP Solutions, we apply the “We think, design, produce” approach, a three-step process that ensures high-performing visual communication supports tailored to each client’s objectives.

Think: understanding your needs

Our design offices in Amersfoort, Antwerp, Mechelen, Nivelles and Liège analyse your project, target audience and constraints (budget, deadlines, retail environment). Together, we identify the most relevant type of POS display: floor display stand or counter display, window graphics, permanent fixture or temporary display. This structured approach follows the five key steps required to launch a POS display project.

Design: creating a bespoke solution

Our designers and model makers translate your brief into visual concepts. We prioritise co-creation: you validate key stages (3D mock-ups, material selection, colour accuracy) before production. This collaborative approach avoids costly adjustments and guarantees a result aligned with your brand image.

Produce: manufacturing with precision

Production begins once the design is validated. Our workshops integrate strict quality control processes at every stage. The choice of materials (FSC cardboard, metal, PEFC wood) reflects our CSR commitments while ensuring the durability of the supports.

Different POS display designs and their uses

POS display design varies depending on location, campaign duration and objectives

  • Permanent supports (metal, wood, plastic) provide long-lasting solutions for premium retail environments
  • FSC cardboard display stands meet short-term promotional needs
  • Digital printing on window graphics transforms storefronts into communication spaces

Each material serves a specific purpose.

Corrugated and solid board: eco-responsible versatility

FSC-certified cardboard remains the flagship material for temporary POS displays. Lightweight, recyclable and cost-effective, it can support significant loads depending on thickness. It is used for counter displays, floor display stands or end-of-aisle displays. Its compatibility with offset or digital printing enables high-definition visuals that strengthen brand identity.

Metal and wood: premium durability

Steel or aluminium structures ensure long-lasting in-store use. Solid wood or MDF adds a premium dimension to retail concepts. These materials are ideal for brands seeking permanent fixtures for shop-in-shop areas or demonstration spaces.

Digital printing: flexibility and visual impact

Printed supports (micro-perforated window graphics, vinyl stickers) transform any surface into a communication tool. This technique offers great creative flexibility and enables customised visuals adaptable to all formats and supports.

Eco-design: reconciling performance and environmental responsibility

We design POS displays that are dismantlable, reusable or 100% recyclable. This approach, recognised by our EcoVadis Gold medal, proves that commercial performance and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.

Measuring the impact of your POS displays on in-store visibility

An effective POS display delivers measurable return on investment. It increases shopper stop rate, improves brand awareness and triggers impulse purchases. Key indicators include exposure duration, in-store conversion rate and the long-term durability of the support.

#1 Stop rate: the first performance indicator

The positioning of the display largely determines its effectiveness. A display placed in a high-traffic area (end caps, checkout zones) captures more attention than one placed in a secondary aisle. Height also plays a key role: displays positioned at eye level (between 120 and 160 cm) generate significantly more interactions. POS display design must therefore always be considered alongside placement strategy.

#2 Purchase trigger: the ultimate objective

Most purchase decisions are made in-store, when consumers are directly facing the shelf. A high-impact POS display turns hesitation into action. Tactical merchandising tools (shelf talkers, wobblers, product displays) reinforce promotional impact and boost campaign performance.

#3 Sustainability: a long-term investment

The choice of material determines the lifespan of the display and therefore its real cost per exposure. Permanent structures in metal, plastic or wood are suited to long-term installations. Cardboard display stands, designed for temporary campaigns, follow a logic of appropriate usage: their lifespan matches the campaign duration, avoiding overstock and simplifying recycling at the end of activation.

At POP Solutions, material selection is an integral part of the brief, ensuring that the durability of the support aligns with your commercial objectives rather than being overestimated.

Understanding the role of POS displays

How can you attract attention on shelf with POS display design?

Effective POS display design relies on three key levers: visual contrast (bold colours, typography readable from 3 metres), positioning height (natural eye level between 120 and 160 cm) and message simplicity (3 seconds are enough to capture attention). Original shapes and textured materials also create curiosity. At POP Solutions, our designers leverage these principles to maximise shopper stop rate. Discover our customised POS printing solutions that turn your supports into true visual magnets.

What is the advantage of bespoke visual communication?

Bespoke solutions precisely address the constraints of your retail space (dimensions, load capacity, accessibility) and your marketing objectives (product launch, seasonal campaign, permanent installation). They avoid the compromises of standard solutions that fail to fully showcase your brand image. Our co-creation process ensures a support 100% aligned with your identity and on-the-ground needs. Explore our range of bespoke cardboard display stands designed for every industry sector.

How to choose between temporary and permanent POS displays?

The choice depends on three criteria:

  • campaign duration
  • budget
  • installation environment

→ A temporary POS display in corrugated cardboard is ideal for promotional campaigns lasting 3 to 6 months (product launches, seasonal activations). Its lower production cost allows multiple touchpoints without exceeding budget.

→ Conversely, a permanent structure in metal, wood or plastic withstands intensive use and reinforces a premium brand image.

Note: at POP Solutions, our design offices help you calculate cost per exposure to identify the most cost-effective solution. Explore our range of permanent display stands and retail fixtures for long-lasting installations that enhance your brand over time.

Do you have a POS display project that deserves expert support?

POP Solutions designs bespoke communication supports that transform your point of sale into a performance driver. From concept to production, our team supports you at every stage. Contact us to discuss your project and receive a personalised quote.