4 minutes read time.
Imagine walking into a store to pick up pet food and seeing a doghouse-shaped shelf or a playful, cat-shaped display rack. Maybe there’s even a real doghouse outside for your pet to relax while you shop. These aren’t just fun ideas—they’re carefully designed point-of-sale (POS) materials. They grab attention, spark curiosity, and encourage shoppers to buy.
In a crowded retail space, POS materials can make the difference between getting overlooked or standing out. Whether bold and eye-catching or subtle and streamlined, they’re a smart way to connect with shoppers and boost sales.
What Are POS Materials, and Why Do They Work?
POS materials include any in-store displays or marketing tools designed to promote products and encourage purchases. Think banners, branded shelves, or displays near checkout counters. These tools target impulse buys and help your brand stay visible in competitive spaces.
The best POS materials go beyond the basics. They’re designed to match your audience, environment, and product message. For example:
- Red Bull’s Can-Shaped Fridges: Boldly shaped like giant cans, these fridges reinforce Red Bull’s energy-focused branding. A study in 2019 found these displays increased visibility by 35%, directly boosting sales during key campaigns.
- Coca-Cola’s “Share a Coke” Displays: Minimalist yet personal, these name-focused displays drove a 2% global sales increase in 2014 by connecting emotionally with shoppers.
For smaller brands, creative POS designs like pet-shaped display racks or interactive shelving can create similar impact. They draw shoppers in by telling a story and making the experience feel personal.
The Science Behind Effective POS Materials
POS materials work because they appeal to shopper behavior—especially impulse buying. Research shows up to 80% of purchase decisions happen in-store. To capitalize on that, POS designs need to be highly visible and emotionally engaging.
Key factors that make POS displays effective:
- Emotional Connection: Playful or thoughtful designs (like a doghouse-shaped shelf) make shoppers stop and engage. Emotional triggers increase the likelihood of a purchase.
- Color Psychology: Warm colors like red and orange create excitement and urgency, while cooler tones like blue or green encourage slower, more deliberate decisions.
- Subconscious Cues: Strategic layouts or lighting can direct attention toward your product without overwhelming the shopper.
For example, a cat-shaped display rack for Whiskas doesn’t just hold products. It taps into shoppers’ love for their pets, creating an emotional hook. The result? More time spent browsing and higher purchase rates.
Subtle POS: The Art of “Invisible” Design
Not all POS displays need to shout for attention. Some of the best designs are subtle, working behind the scenes to guide customer choices.
- Apple’s Retail Displays: Apple stores use sleek, uniform designs that blend into the background, keeping focus on the products. This “less is more” approach creates a clean, immersive shopping experience.
- Minimalist Shelving: Uniform color schemes and clean layouts let products stand out naturally. This works especially well in smaller spaces where clutter can overwhelm customers.
Even a simple POS design, like Coca-Cola’s personalized name displays, can have a big impact when done right. It’s not about being flashy—it’s about making the product feel special.
Why Visibility Matters
Effective POS isn’t just about being seen. It’s about being noticed in a way that connects with shoppers. Whether through bold displays or subtle layouts, POS materials guide decisions and create lasting impressions.
A smart POS design can be the difference between a quick glance and a sale. By creating displays that are engaging, emotional, or even understated, your brand stays top of mind in a crowded market.
Ready to Improve Your POS Strategy?
Creative, well-thought-out POS materials aren’t just a bonus—they’re a key part of retail success. Whether you want bold displays that stop shoppers in their tracks or subtle designs that enhance your product’s appeal, POS materials can make a lasting impact.
We specialize in creating POS solutions that stand out. From playful displays like pet-shaped racks to sleek product arrangements, we help brands connect with customers and boost sales.
Get in touch and let’s see how we can help your brand stand out in-store.