Managing point-of-purchase (POP) displays used to be straightforward: make it eye-catching, stick it in a store, and hope for the best. But as retail evolves, so too does the role of brand and product managers. Today, POP displays aren’t just displays—they’re storytelling vehicles, data-gathering powerhouses, and brand ambassadors all rolled into one.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through 10 game-changing trends that are reshaping the way brand and product managers think about POP displays. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or new to the game, these insights will help you stay ahead of the curve.
1. Increased Focus on Storytelling
POP displays are no longer about simply showcasing a product; they’re about telling a story that resonates. A compelling narrative can transform a shopper’s experience, making your brand memorable.
What This Means: Whether it’s sustainability, innovation, or nostalgia, your brand’s story should come to life through visuals, copy, and even layout. Think of your POP display as a billboard, a novel, and a movie trailer rolled into one.
Pro Tip: Use bold colors, clever taglines, and thoughtful design to evoke emotions. Storytelling isn’t just for marketers—it’s for everyone involved in the consumer journey.
Source: The Future of Retail: Building Physical Stores for a Digital World, Forrester (forrester.com)
2. Integration of Technology
Static displays are so 2010. Today, consumers expect interactivity and innovation, and tech-driven POP displays deliver.
What This Means: Incorporating augmented reality (AR), interactive screens, or digital signage makes your display a destination. Imagine a shopper using their phone to visualize how a product fits into their life—that’s the power of tech.
Pro Tip: Don’t overdo it. The goal is to enhance the shopping experience, not overwhelm it. Keep the tech intuitive and relevant.
Source: Insights for Digital Transformation in Retail, Gartner (gartner.com)
3. Demand for Customization
Consumers crave personalized experiences, and retailers want displays tailored to their specific store layouts and demographics.
What This Means: A one-size-fits-all display won’t cut it anymore. Custom POP displays that adapt to different audiences and retail environments are the new standard.
Pro Tip: Modular designs make customization easier and more cost-effective. Plan for flexibility without compromising on aesthetics.
Source: Key eCommerce Trends in 2024, NielsenIQ (nielseniq.com)
4. Sustainability as a Priority
Consumers and retailers alike are demanding greener practices. Sustainable materials and processes aren’t just nice-to-have; they’re essential.
What This Means: From recycled materials to energy-efficient production, sustainability should be at the core of your POP strategy. Bonus: It’s a great story to tell your customers.
Pro Tip: Highlight the sustainability angle on the display itself. A simple “Made from 100% recycled materials” can go a long way in connecting with eco-conscious shoppers.
Source: 2024 Consumer Products Industry Outlook, Deloitte (deloitte.com)
5. Data-Driven Decision Making
Data isn’t just for digital marketers anymore. With IoT-enabled displays, product managers can now gather valuable insights directly from the retail floor.
What This Means: Sensors and analytics can track how shoppers interact with your display—where they linger, what they touch, and what catches their eye. Use this data to refine your strategy.
Pro Tip: Pair data collection with clear goals. Are you measuring engagement? Conversion rates? Be strategic about what you track.
Source: The Complete Guide to CPG Data Analytics 2024, NielsenIQ (nielseniq.com)
6. Collaboration with Retail Partners
Your POP display isn’t just about your brand; it’s also about the retailer’s space, audience, and priorities. Collaboration is key.
What This Means: Work with retailers to create displays that align with their store’s layout and customer expectations. A win for them is a win for you.
Pro Tip: Build trust with retailers by being flexible and communicative. A good partnership can lead to better placements and more support.
Source: Q3 2024 Emerging Retail & Consumer Trends, Deloitte (deloitte.com)
7. Shortened Lifecycles
The pace of retail is faster than ever. New product launches, seasonal campaigns, and pop-up events mean displays need to be designed, produced, and installed quickly.
What This Means: Agility is essential. Streamline your workflows and choose partners who can keep up with the speed of retail.
Pro Tip: Plan for scalability. A modular display that can be updated easily saves time and money in the long run.
Source: Nine Key Consumer Trends in 2024, McKinsey (mckinsey.com)
8. Cross-Channel Consistency
Shoppers expect a seamless experience across all touchpoints, from social media to the store shelf.
What This Means: Your POP display should reflect the same messaging, visuals, and tone as your digital campaigns. Consistency builds trust and reinforces your brand.
Pro Tip: Use QR codes or NFC tags to link in-store displays to online content. This bridges the gap between physical and digital.
Source: The Evolving Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) Journey 2024, NielsenIQ (nielseniq.com)
9. Budget Constraints vs. Innovation
Innovation is exciting, but it often comes with a hefty price tag. Balancing creativity with cost-efficiency is a challenge every product manager faces.
What This Means: Stretch your budget by prioritizing impactful features and reusing elements where possible. Creativity doesn’t have to break the bank.
Pro Tip: Partner with manufacturers who offer innovative solutions at reasonable costs. Collaboration can unlock unexpected savings.
Source: Retail: Tech Investments Will Support Profitability, Forrester (forrester.com)
10. Consumer-Centric Approach
At the end of the day, it’s all about the shopper. Your POP display should cater to their needs, preferences, and behaviors.
What This Means: Pay attention to how consumers interact with your display. Do they need more information? Are they looking for entertainment? Design with their perspective in mind.
Pro Tip: Test and iterate. A small tweak based on shopper feedback can make a big difference in engagement and sales.
Source: Consumer Outlook 2024, NielsenIQ (nielseniq.com)
Conclusion: The Future of POP Displays
Managing POP displays today means juggling storytelling, technology, sustainability, and collaboration—all while keeping the consumer at the center. It’s a challenging but exciting time to be in this space.
By staying ahead of these 10 game-changing trends, you’re not just creating displays; you’re crafting experiences that resonate, engage, and inspire. Benchmarc Display has been at the forefront of retail expertise, combining innovative design, precision manufacturing, and cutting-edge technology to help brands shine. Follow us for more insights, tips, and strategies to elevate your retail presence and stay ahead of the curve.