Point-of-purchase (POP) displays are at the core of retail merchandising. The right display does more than hold products — it grabs shopper attention and encourages impulse buying. When showcasing your products in-store, you must determine the type of display that meets your product and marketing needs.
Your budget, product types and marketing campaigns will determine whether to focus on permanent or temporary displays. Your strategy might combine long-term and short-term POP promotions or straddle the line with semi-permanent merchandisers. Let’s weigh the benefits of permanent vs. temporary retail displays to help you decide.
What Is a Permanent Retail Display?
A permanent retail display is designed for long-term use inside a store. It features sturdy construction and is made from materials that can withstand years of use without losing strength and quality. Permanent retail displays are typically made of wood, metal, wire or plastic and feature innovative designs and graphics. They can also incorporate videos, sounds and lights to attract attention.
Considering these fixtures are meant to last for years, their designs are more timeless. While they are still promotional and highlight brands and products, they are not seasonal and do not ride on fast trends and holidays.
Permanent display execution requires some upfront planning and time. The initial designs, engineering, prototyping, approvals and logistics will take planning and time. You also need to factor in the time needed for manufacturing and distribution, which varies depending on whether you are sourcing from the U.S. or overseas. These factors contribute to the additional time and costs that permanent displays need.
What Are the Advantages of Permanent Displays
All POP displays have proven abilities to boost sales and generate profits. A permanent option, in particular, distinguishes itself from the regularly stocked shelves, cutting through the noise of temporary signage and displays.
Here are the advantages of permanent retail displays:
Durability
While permanent display solutions cost more, they last longer. The strength and robust construction of permanent displays mean that they can withstand years of use and rough conditions, such as bumps and nicks from employees, customers, shopping carts and other activities throughout the store.
Profitability
Though permanent displays cost more, the right execution offers an excellent return on investment (ROI). Brand managers say a typical POP permanent display increases sales by 19%. Because they last longer, they consume less of your overall POP budget. Brand managers typically allocate 39.7% of their display spend to permanent retail fixtures. The other 60.3% goes toward temporary POP promotions.
Better Compliance
When retailer compliance is a concern, permanent displays are also more reliable. While only 40% of in-store merchandisers comply with the brand’s specifications, compliance is higher for permanent fixtures.
Stress-Free Use
Weight issues and reduced flexibility can sometimes make permanent displays more challenging to assemble. The advantage over temporary and less stable options is that these fixtures only need the initial assembly, which can last the duration of their usage. With pre-assembled options, there may be no need for extra setup in-store.
In addition, innovative designs have led to tool-less assembly, making these displays less challenging to set up.
Since permanent displays can impact long-term sales, retailers are more motivated to set them up correctly. Product brand managers say 86.5% of the permanent displays they send out actually get placed in stores.
What Products Are Best Suited for Permanent Displays?
Because permanent displays will last in a store for one or two years or more, it’s essential to consider the products that go in them. If you are unsure how successful a permanent display will be, starting with a temporary solution might be a good idea. After you land on a visually striking design through a trial run, you can invest in a permanent arrangement.
Consider these product ideas if you are going with a permanent display:
- Established products: The harsh reality is that 95% of all new products fail. You want to save permanent displays for your tried-and-true products that have been in the market for years and have earned customers’ trust.
- Established brands: If your brand is already a household name, you can consider permanent display solutions for a new product launch. Otherwise, stick to the items your customers will instantly recognize.
Another option for a permanent display is a setup that allows you to change out the products. A timeless design, where the brand itself is the headline, can accommodate various products throughout its lifetime. A great example of this is a shoe merchandiser. A household-name shoe company could create a display with shelves for different shoes in their current collection.
What Is a Temporary Retail Display?
A temporary retail display is a short-term promotional display meant to run for a few months. These displays often feature flashy and attention-grabbing visuals to attract shoppers. The material of choice for temporary displays is corrugated cardboard, which is flexible, lightweight, low-cost and recyclable.
The characteristics of cardboard make it easy for brands to change their promotions often, allowing the excellent execution of seasonal campaigns and other short-term promotional runs.
What Are the Advantages of Temporary Displays?
Temporary displays are unique merchandising structures that deliver powerful in-store impressions and drive sales. Here are the advantages of temporary displays in retail:
Attraction
Shoppers visit their favorite grocery, drug and club stores at least once a month, and often more. They are used to the layout and are usually there to restock the exact products they bought last time. Even the most innovative and eye-catching permanent displays can fade into the background. Temporary POP structures add intrigue and novelty to a familiar environment. Bright colors and attractive designs lure them in.
Seasonal Relevance
Temporary displays also play a role in shoppers’ shifting needs. For example, a customer on a budget might choose a different brand if it went on sale. A temporary display can draw attention to a limited-time deal. Shoppers also need different items at certain times of the year. Leading up to major holidays, temporary displays can showcase a product as a stocking stuffer or the perfect gift. In the summer, a beverage brand can leverage its offerings to refresh and cool down on a hot day.
Profitability
Temporary displays are crucial in the retail environment. And they have the ROI to prove it. A typical temporary display increases sales by 23.8%. Product marketers typically dedicate most of their POP display spending to temporary structures.
Easy Handling
Another reason to use temporary displays is their light weight and portability. Movable displays are useful for stores and brands alike. Retailers often need to rearrange their displays. Likewise, brands may want to adjust their displays to achieve more sales. Short-term arrangements, which are not permanently attached to the floor or difficult to move, make ideal temporary displays.
What Products Are Best Suited for Temporary Displays?
Temporary displays generate awareness, trigger interest and drive short-term sales lift. New product launches, limited-time offers and brands conducting trial runs are well-suited for these displays. Seasonal products are another category of promotional offers that are fit for short-term display solutions.
Due to their design flexibility and branding opportunities, temporary displays can excel with almost any product. They are popular with product categories such as:
- Snacks, food and beverages
- Nutritional supplements and vitamins
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Consumer electronics
- Hardware and home improvement supplies
- Pet supplies
- Toys
- Office supplies
- Health and beauty supplies
Discover Great Possibilities With Great Northern Instore
Permanent and temporary retail displays are key aspects of store merchandising that do more than hold products. Each offers unique advantages, and with the right marketing strategies, you can leverage both to maximize sales. When it comes to store displays, quality and high-impact designs that elevate products are essential.
At Great Northern Instore, we offer long-term and short-term display solutions under the same roof, allowing you to choose based on your needs. As a full-service in-store display provider, we take care of every aspect of your project, from design and manufacturing to print and assembly. Once your permanent or temporary displays reach your retailer, we can help you track real-time performance with our Instore Vision app.
If you’d like to chat more about the type of display that best fits your products and upcoming promotions, reach out to us online or give us a call today.
