Cardboard retail displays come in many types, including floor units, countertop styles, dump bins, and pallet-based options. Each type of cardboard retail display serves a specific purpose. They help organize products and capture shoppers’ attention effectively. Choosing the right cardboard retail display can change how customers perceive products and can also attract more people into stores. A recent study shows that 82% of shoppers have returned to shopping in stores, and 80% of people enter stores because of eye-catching retail displays. Cardboard merchandising displays have become increasingly important as they are both cost-effective and environmentally friendly. In 2025, retailers aim to boost sales using these versatile displays, which can be quickly updated to reflect new trends.
Statistic Description | Numerical Value | Implication for Retail Displays |
|---|---|---|
Consumers preferring to browse and shop in person | 46% | Many shoppers like shopping in stores |
Consumers returning to in-store shopping post-pandemic | 82% | More people are visiting stores again, so displays matter more |
Consumers preferring in-person shopping to interact with products | 33% | People want to touch products, so displays must work well |
Customers entering store due to digital signage attraction | 80% (8 out of 10) | Cool displays and signs bring more people inside |
Key Takeaways
Cardboard retail displays catch shoppers’ eyes and keep products neat. They do not cost much and are good for the planet.
There are many kinds of cardboard displays for different uses. Floor displays hold big items. Countertop displays are for small things.
Free standing cardboard displays are strong and simple to move. You can change how they look. They work well for new or holiday products.
Picking the best display depends on what you sell. It also depends on store size, price, and how it looks. The right choice helps sell more.
Using recyclable and sustainable materials helps the earth. It also makes eco-friendly shoppers trust your store more.
Cardboard Retail Displays Overview
Cardboard retail displays help stores keep products neat and get shoppers’ attention. These displays have changed a lot over the years. Long ago, stores used handwritten signs and glass windows to show off products. In the 1950s, stores started using point of purchase displays to make people buy things quickly. Now, cardboard displays are a cheap way to show products and can change fast for new trends.
Period/Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
Early Retail Displays | In the 1800s, stores used handwritten signs and glass windows to show products. |
Mid-20th Century POP Displays | In the 1950s and 60s, stores used these displays to make people buy things at checkout. |
Cardboard Displays | These are used for short times, like new product launches or holiday sales. |
Plastic Displays | Stores use these for a long time because they last and can be used in many ways. |
General Evolution | Displays changed from painted signs to neon lights, then to digital and interactive screens. |
Floor Displays
Floor displays stand alone in store aisles. These displays hold lots of products and are easy to see. They use corrugated cardboard to stay strong. Stores use them for special events and new products.
Countertop Displays
Countertop displays sit on tables or near the checkout. These displays are good for small things like candy or makeup. They are light and fit in small spaces. Stores use them to get people to buy things while waiting to pay.
Dump Bins
Dump bins are big, open boxes made of cardboard. They hold loose items and let shoppers look through them. Studies show smart bins like these help cut down on waste and keep workers safe. These displays save money and are easy to refill.
Pallet Displays
Pallet displays sit on top of shipping pallets. Stores can move these displays easily. They are good for big or heavy items and for special sales. Corrugated cardboard makes them strong enough for heavy products.
End Cap Displays
End cap displays are at the ends of aisles. These displays catch people’s eyes and help sell more. Research says end caps can raise sales by 23.8%. Many merchandisers say end caps work best for selling special products.
Temporary point of purchase displays on end caps can raise sales by 23.8%.
37% of merchandisers say end caps are the best spots for sales.
Products with point of purchase signs sell 27% more.
Brochure Holders
Brochure holders are small cardboard boxes for flyers or pamphlets. These displays sit on tables and help shoppers learn about products or deals. They keep information neat and easy to grab.
Power Wings
Power wings, also called sidekick displays, hang on shelves or fixtures. These displays use corrugated cardboard to last longer. Power wings save space and show off special items. Studies show that the shape and angle of these displays help products get noticed.
Note: Cardboard display boxes and units come in many shapes and sizes. Stores pick the right display to fit their products and marketing plans.
Free Standing Cardboard Displays
Features
Free standing cardboard displays do not need shelves or walls. They stand up by themselves. Stores like these displays because they are light and easy to move. It does not take long to set them up. Most free standing cardboard displays use corrugated cardboard. This makes them strong enough to hold many things. These displays come in different shapes and sizes. Stores can pick the right one for their products.
Stores pick free standing cardboard displays for many reasons:
They cost less than metal or plastic stands.
They use materials that can be recycled, which helps the environment.
New designs use stronger and water-resistant cardboard, so they last longer.
Companies can print bright colors and logos on them to match their brand.
Some displays can be taken apart or folded, which makes them easy to store and ship.
Note: More stores are using free standing cardboard displays every year. Experts think the market will grow by 5.2% each year from 2025 to 2035. Stores in the US, UK, Japan, and Asia-Pacific use these displays to get shoppers’ attention and use new retail technology.
Best Uses
Free standing cardboard displays are good for many products. Stores use them to show new items, holiday goods, or special sales. Their tall and thin shape saves space and lets people see products from all sides.
Some of the best ways to use free standing cardboard displays are:
Put them near the entrance to get people’s attention.
Use them in busy aisles where there is not much room.
Show small things like makeup, snacks, or magazines.
Make special displays for new products.
Set them up in pharmacies, club stores, or supermarkets.
Stores like these displays because they are flexible. For example, a skincare company used a five-level display that came ready to use. This saved time and work. Another company used bright colors and special shapes to make their display stand out. Many stores use free standing cardboard displays to make shopping better and help sell more products.
Product Display Type | Durability | Cost | Product Fit | Customization |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Free Standing Cardboard Displays | High (with new materials) | Low | Wide range | Very high |
Other Cardboard Displays | Medium | Low-Medium | Specific products | High |
Traditional Merchandise Stands | Very high | High | Limited | Medium |
Tip: Stores can use both freestanding displays and cardboard stands together. This helps make displays that catch shoppers’ eyes.
Product Display Comparison
Cost
Stores look at how much displays cost before buying. Cardboard displays are the cheapest choice for short sales or holidays. Free standing cardboard displays cost from $50 to $200 each. Custom cardboard displays with special shapes or features cost more. Cost comparison templates help stores list prices and vendors. These templates make it simple to see which display is the best deal. They also help stores get better prices by showing what others charge. Automation tools make this process faster and help stores choose wisely.
Display Type | Typical Cost per Unit | Notes on Cost |
|---|---|---|
Cardboard Display Boxes | $50 – $200 | Most affordable; ideal for temporary use |
Free Standing Cardboard Displays | $100 – $250 | Slightly higher for added strength and size |
Custom Cardboard Displays | $150 – $400+ | Higher cost for unique designs and branding |
Metal Merchandise Stands | $200 – $1,000+ | High initial cost; long-term investment |
Acrylic or Wood Displays | $100 – $2,000 | Durable but expensive; used for premium products |
Tip: Stores can use cost comparison templates to feel sure about their choices and set good prices for sales.
Durability
How long a display lasts is important for stores. Cardboard displays are best for short sales or seasons. They last one to six months and do not like water. Free standing cardboard displays use stronger cardboard. They can hold heavier things and last longer than regular boxes. Metal stands last the longest, over five years, and hold the most weight. Acrylic and wood displays last a long time too, but they cost more.
Material | Typical Lifespan | Durability Notes |
|---|---|---|
Cardboard | 1-6 months | Moisture sensitive; best for temporary use |
Corrugated Cardboard | 3-12 months | Stronger; supports heavier items |
Acrylic | 1-3 years | Moisture resistant; moderate durability |
Wood | 3-5+ years | Excellent for heavy products |
Metal | 5+ years | Highest durability; premium placement |
A big drink company used cardboard displays for 12 weeks in 500 stores. Sales went up by 32%. The displays worked well for a short time, even though they did not last as long as metal stands. This shows cardboard displays can work great for short sales.
Visual Impact
How a display looks changes how people shop. Bright cardboard displays at the front or on end caps get more attention and help sales. Research says displays near main products, like end caps, work best for getting people to buy. Shelf displays help shoppers pick brands. The Stimulus-Organism-Response theory says bright colors and bold pictures make people want to buy. Stores that put displays in many places see sales go up by 11.15%. Signs with discounts make displays work even better.
Note: Putting cardboard display boxes and point of purchase displays in the right spot is key for more sales and brand awareness.
Product Suitability
Picking the right display for each product is important. Free standing cardboard displays work for many things, like snacks or makeup. Cardboard display boxes are good for small or light items. Pallet displays hold big or heavy things. Studies show displays work best when matched to the product. For example, bright displays for candy or toys get kids’ attention. Sleek displays for electronics attract adults. The color of a display can change how people see prices and sales. Stores should match displays to products for the best results.
Free standing cardboard displays: Great for new items, holiday goods, and busy spots.
Cardboard display boxes: Good for small, quick-buy things at checkout.
Pallet displays: Best for heavy or big items in large stores.
Customized cardboard display boxes: Make products fit better and help shoppers.
Customization
Customization and branding help products stand out. Custom cardboard displays let stores print logos, use cool shapes, and add special parts. This makes brands look better and easier to spot. Customization and branding also help stores get more attention with fun designs. Stores can use green materials and smart folding to save on shipping and waste. Customization and branding keep products safe and make shopping easier. More people want custom cardboard display boxes because they like packaging that looks nice and is good for the planet. Working with experts can help stores earn up to 15% more by using new ideas and better shipping.
Custom cardboard displays: Make brands look better and build trust.
Customization and branding: Help stores work better and save money.
Customized cardboard display boxes: Support green goals and attract eco-friendly shoppers.
Display Type | Customization Options | Branding Potential |
|---|---|---|
Free Standing Cardboard Displays | High (shapes, graphics, logos) | Excellent |
Cardboard Display Boxes | Moderate (printing, inserts) | Good |
Custom Cardboard Displays | Very High (unique designs) | Outstanding |
Metal Merchandise Stands | Limited (color, signage) | Moderate |
Stores that use customization and branding for their displays connect better with customers, sell more, and build strong brand loyalty.
Sustainability in Retail Displays
Eco-Friendly Materials
Sustainability is very important for retail displays in 2025. Many companies pick materials that are good for the environment. They want to meet what customers expect. Cardboard displays often use corrugated cardboard from post-consumer waste. This helps save trees and lowers carbon emissions. Retailers also want materials with certifications like FSC® and PEFC. These show the cardboard comes from forests that are managed well.
Some companies, like Holbox Shop Direct, use only cardboard. Their displays are plastic-free and can be recycled. Their ECOdesign uses smart ideas to use less material and make less waste. Billerud is another leader. They use strong fibers from Nordic forests. This makes packaging lighter and stronger. These materials replace plastic, tin, and glass. This makes displays better for the planet and easier to recycle.
Retailers want displays that are easy to change and customize. They need to keep up with new trends and what customers want. Fast delivery and flexible designs help stores do this. The market is moving toward displays that are good for the planet, easy to personalize, and make shopping better.
🌱 Tip: Picking eco-friendly materials helps the planet. It also builds trust with shoppers who care about the environment.
Recyclability
Recyclability is very important for today’s retail displays. Most new cardboard displays can go in regular paper bins after use. This makes it easy for stores and shoppers to recycle them. Smart folding designs help cut down on waste when making and shipping displays.
A new study shows that easy-to-take-apart displays help recycling. Displays that break down fast save time and help more get recycled. Ecodesign changes, like using fewer mixed materials, make recycling work even better.
Metric/Segment | Details/Statistics |
|---|---|
Market Size (2024) | |
Projected Market Size (2034) | USD 50.93 Billion |
CAGR (2025-2034) | 4.9% |
Leading Region | Europe (strict regulations and circular economy focus) |
Industry Trends | Shift to sustainable materials, R&D in bio-based plastics, circular economy push |
Retailers who pick recyclable displays help keep waste out of landfills. They also support a circular economy. This meets rules and what shoppers want for greener products.
Choosing Product Displays
Decision Factors
Picking the right product display takes some thinking. Stores need to look at what they sell and what they want to do. Studies say shoppers like displays that are easy and fun. If a display is simple to use and interesting, people buy more. Shoppers also care about price. Clear price tags on displays help get their attention.
A decision matrix is a tool that helps stores pick displays. It lets them write down things like cost, strength, and looks. They give each display a score for each thing. When they add up the scores, they see which display is best. Stores can also look at trends to help them choose. Past trends show what displays worked before. Trends about age groups help stores pick displays for the right people.
Trend Analysis Type | How It Helps Choose a Product Display |
|---|---|
Historical | Shows what worked before |
Temporal | Matches product displays to seasons |
Geographic | Adapts product display to local shoppers |
Demographic | Targets product display to age or gender |
Economic | Adjusts product display for price sensitivity |
Technological | Adds tech features to product displays |
Tip: Try using a decision matrix to compare displays and make smart choices.
Real-World Scenarios
Stores have different needs for product displays. If a store has a new snack, it might use a bright end cap display by the door. This spot helps more people see and try the snack. A pharmacy may use a countertop display for small travel items. This display fits in tight spots and makes people buy things quickly.
Some stores put tech in their displays, like QR codes or screens. These make displays more fun and help people learn about products. Research shows that putting a display near the main product group helps sales. If stores put displays all over, they can make 11% more money.
Note: Picking the right display for the product and spot in the store helps stores sell more.
Every cardboard retail display has its own good points. Floor displays can hold lots of products and get noticed. Countertop displays are best for small things. Dump bins make it easy for shoppers to look through items. Pallet displays are strong and hold heavy goods. End cap displays help stores sell more at the end of aisles. Brochure holders give out information to shoppers. Power wings help save space on shelves. Stores need to pick displays that fit their products and goals. Using displays made from green materials is better for the earth. Stores should think about what they need and talk to a display company for help.
Tip: Picking the right display can help stores sell more and make shopping better for customers.
FAQ
What is the main benefit of using a cardboard display in retail stores?
A cardboard display helps stores show products in a neat and eye-catching way. It costs less than metal or wood stands. Stores can change the display quickly for new sales or seasons.
How long does a cardboard display usually last?
Most cardboard displays last from one to six months. The display works best for short sales or special events. Stronger cardboard can help the display last longer in busy stores.
Can stores recycle a cardboard display after use?
Yes, stores can recycle most cardboard displays. The display goes into regular paper recycling bins. This helps stores reduce waste and support the environment.
Are there different types of cardboard display for different products?
Yes, stores use many types of cardboard display. Some displays stand on the floor, while others sit on counters. A display can hold heavy items or small goods, depending on the store’s needs.
How can a store make its display stand out to shoppers?
A store can use bright colors, bold graphics, and special shapes on its display. Placing the display near the entrance or checkout helps more people see it. Custom designs also make the display unique.
