You have many choices when picking materials for custom retail displays. Some common choices are plastics like acrylic, PVC, HDPE, polycarbonate, styrene, PETG, and ABS. Wood is used in more than half of store displays. This includes both engineered and sustainable wood. Metal, cardboard, glass, wire, fabric, bamboo, and stone are also used. Each material has its own special strengths. You can pick a material that fits your needs for strength, style, or being eco-friendly.
Material | Properties | Applications |
|---|---|---|
Acrylic | Clear, strong against impacts | POP displays, fixtures |
PVC | Tough, not expensive | Signs, shelves, frames |
HDPE | Strong, stands up to sunlight | Indoor/outdoor displays |
Polycarbonate | Very strong against impacts | POP displays, shields |
Styrene | Light, stiff | Tradeshow, POP displays |
PETG | See-through, tough | Shelves, signs |
ABS | Stiff, strong against impacts | Brackets, trays, POP displays |
Key Takeaways
Pick materials for their strength, look, and if they are good for the environment. Acrylic and PETG are often used for displays that look modern and clear. Wood and bamboo give stores a natural and warm feel. Metal displays last a long time and are good for heavy things. Cardboard is cheap and works well for displays used for a short time.
Types of Materials for Custom Retail Displays
When you make custom retail displays, you need to know what each material can do. Picking the right materials helps you build displays that look good, last long, and do not cost too much. Here is a simple guide to the main display materials, their features, and where you can use them in stores.
Plastic Materials
Plastics are very common for store displays. There are many types of plastics, and each one is different. The table below shows the main types and how they are used:
Type of Plastic | |
|---|---|
Acrylic | Strong, hard, see-through, comes in many colors and thicknesses; used for small countertop displays and retail fixtures. |
PETG | Good chemical properties, tougher than acrylic; used for custom price strips and shapes that need bending. |
Expanded PVC foam | Light, tough, easy to cut; good for display boards and POP displays. |
EPS | Used for holiday props; does not last long but can be shaped and painted. |
GFRP | Costs more, strong for outdoor use; lets you make creative display props. |
Acrylic is used a lot in fancy store displays because it is clear and strong. PETG is good for price strips and special shapes. Expanded PVC foam is light and works well for display boards. EPS is best for props that are not needed for long. GFRP is great for creative displays outside.
Tip: Pick acrylic if you want your products to look modern and cool. Use PVC if you want to save money and make lots of displays.
ABS and styrene are also used in stores. ABS is strong and keeps its shape, so it is good for things that need to last. Styrene is light and stiff, which makes it good for tradeshow displays.
Wood and Bamboo
Wood makes displays feel warm and natural. There are different kinds of wood, and each has its own good points:
Type of Material | Characteristics | Applications in Retail Displays |
|---|---|---|
MDF | Heavy, strong, smooth, easy to shape, can be carved | Used in big displays and small counter displays |
Plywood | Made of thin wood layers, good for big backboards and bottom boards | Used for large store display backboards |
Particle board | Made from wood pieces, does not like water, cheap | Used in low-cost displays |
Oriented Strand Board | Strong inside, has a special look | Used in trendy stores for a rough look |
Solid wood | Real wood, eco-friendly, but costs more | Used by fancy brands and vintage stores |
Bamboo | Cheap, natural, smooth after finishing | Used for small counter displays in natural stores |
Wood is good for branding and displays that stay in the store for a long time. MDF and plywood are best for big, strong displays. Particle board is a cheap choice. Solid wood and bamboo are great for stores that want to look green or natural.
Metal Materials
Metal makes displays look fancy and last a long time. You can pick from different kinds of metal:
Metal Type | Characteristics |
|---|---|
Stainless Steel | Brushed, shiny, gold, or black finishes |
Aluminum | Light, can be colored, many finishes |
Iron / Steel | Powder coating, paint, very strong |
Mixed Media | Mixes metal with wood, acrylic, or glass |
You see metal a lot in electronics, fashion, and fancy stores. Metal displays hold heavy things and last for years. You can use them for counters, floor stands, wall frames, hanging signs, end caps, and more. Metal looks nice with wood or acrylic for a modern style.
Metal displays help show off your brand.
Metal systems can change to fit different store layouts.
Cardboard and Corrugated
Cardboard and corrugated materials are cheap and easy to use. You can cut and fold them into many shapes, so they are good for short-term sales.
Corrugated cardboard
Rigid boxes
Folding cartons
Cardboard display stands
Cardboard floor displays
Cardboard display boxes
Dump bin displays
Cardboard displays are easy to print with bright colors and pictures. Most cardboard can be recycled, which is good for the planet. You can use them for short sales, holiday events, and dump bins. Cardboard costs less than other materials, so it is smart for displays that change often.
Glass and Stone
Glass and stone make displays look fancy and special. Glass is used for shelves, cases, and racks that stand up or lay flat. Stone, like marble or granite, is good for nice countertops and sample displays.
Vertical racks save space and show off flat things like tiles.
Horizontal racks hold bigger stone pieces.
Adjustable racks let you show stones of different sizes.
Hanging racks use steel wire to keep things steady and easy to see.
Rotating racks help people look at small stone samples.
Glass and stone are best for luxury brands and stores that want to look high-end.
Wire and Fabric
Wire and fabric are flexible and let you be creative with displays. You can use many kinds of wire, like stainless steel, galvanized wire, bright basic wire, steel, copper, aluminum, and brass.
Material | Key Features |
|---|---|
Stainless Steel | Does not rust, strong, good for tough places, tensile strength of 579 MPa. |
Galvanized Wire | Covered with zinc so it does not rust, good for wet places. |
Bright Basic Wire | Low-carbon steel, strong and bends easily, can be welded. |
Steel | Strong, good quality, and not too expensive. |
Copper | Bends easily, conducts electricity, has a red color. |
Aluminum | Light, does not rust, used for signs and displays you can move. |
Brass | Does not rust, looks gold, made from copper and zinc. |
Wire displays include POP wire displays, floor displays, hanging displays, and equipment displays. You can use wire for shelves, pegboards, or put them in special spots for cross-selling. Coiled-wire fabric systems spread light, keep things safe, and look cool in and outside stores.
Fabric makes displays soft and colorful. You can use fabric for banners, backgrounds, and walls. Fabric is good for window displays and holiday sales.
Note: When you mix wire and fabric, you get displays that are light, easy to move, and get attention.
If you know what each material does, you can pick the best ones for your store displays and reach your sales goals.
Material Benefits and Drawbacks
Durability and Strength
You want your store displays to last a long time. Permanent displays use MDF, metal, or acrylic. These can last from 1 to 5 years. They are strong and can handle lots of use. Semi-permanent displays use plastic, wood, and metal. These last up to 18 months. Temporary displays use cardboard or foam board. These only last a few weeks. Metal and acrylic are best for heavy things. Wood and bamboo are strong but can get scratched or dented. Cardboard is light and easy to move. But it does not last as long as other materials.
Display Type | Lifespan | Core Materials |
|---|---|---|
Permanent | 1–5 years | MDF, metal, acrylic |
Temporary | 2–12 weeks | Cardboard, PET, foam board |
Semi-Permanent | 6–18 months | Various durable materials |
Cost Factors
It is important to think about cost when making displays. Cardboard and corrugated materials are the cheapest for short-term use. Metal and wood cost more money but last longer. This makes them good for displays you keep for years. The price depends on how hard the design is, how big it is, how many you need, and what materials you pick. If you add special features or technology, the cost goes up. Shipping and putting the displays together also cost money.
Material | Market Share (%) | Revenue (in billion $) |
|---|---|---|
Metal | 38.4 | 8.6 |
Wood | 22.1 | N/A |
Plastic | 19.7 | N/A |
Glass | 11.3 | N/A |
Others | 8.5 | N/A |
Tip: If you want to save money, use light materials like cardboard or PETG for displays you only need for a short time.
Visual Appeal
The right material makes your display look great. Cardboard can be bright and show clear pictures. Acrylic and other plastics look modern and smooth. Wood gives a warm and natural feel. Metal makes displays look bold and strong. Glass looks fancy and keeps valuable things safe. Fabric adds color and makes displays soft. You can mix materials to make your display special.
Cardboard: Bright, flexible, and cheap.
Acrylic: Modern, shiny, and shows off products.
Wood: Warm, rustic, or eco-friendly.
Metal: Strong, stylish, and lasts long.
Glass: Fancy and keeps things safe.
Fabric: Soft, colorful, and light.
Environmental Impact
Being green is important for stores today. Cardboard and corrugated materials can be recycled and are good for the earth. FSC-certified cardboard and recycled PET help the planet. Bamboo and reclaimed wood are also green choices. Compostable plastics and plant-based films are good if you need clear displays. Picking green materials helps your store and the environment.
Note: Using light, recyclable materials makes shipping cheaper and helps the planet.
Choosing Materials for Retail Displays
Product and Display Needs
First, think about what you want your display to do. The product type and its weight are important. How people use the display also matters. Heavy things need strong materials like metal or fiberglass. If your display is in a busy spot, pick something tough. It should not break or get damaged easily. For light or breakable items, use acrylic or cardboard. Think about where your display will be. If it is outside, weather and water can change how the material works.
Factor | Impact on Material Selection |
|---|---|
Durability | Needed for long-lasting retail store displays |
Aesthetics | Shapes customer perception |
Environmental factors | Moisture, UV, and temperature matter |
Retail abuse | High-traffic areas need tougher materials |
Wear and tear | Frequent handling requires robust options |
Budget and Longevity
How much money you have is important. How long you want your display to last also matters. Some materials are cheap but do not last long. Others, like fiberglass or metal, cost more but last longer. These are good for displays you want to keep. Remember, you pay for more than just the material. Printing, shipping, and putting the display together all cost money. If you only need a display for a short time, use cardboard or resin. For displays you want to keep, pick strong materials that fit your goals.
Tip: Pick a material that lasts as long as you need. This helps you save money later.
Branding and Store Design
The materials you pick show your brand’s style. If you want a modern look, use acrylic or metal. For a natural or green look, wood or bamboo is best. Cardboard is good for bright colors and fun shapes. Match your material to your brand and store design. This makes shopping more fun and helps people remember your store.
Material | Aesthetic Impact | Functionality |
|---|---|---|
Cardboard | Vibrant, flexible | Easy to print and shape |
Acrylic | Sleek, high-end | Transparent, easy to mold |
Wood | Rustic, sustainable | Versatile, can mimic others |
Metal | Distinguished, modern | Durable, easy to update |
Sustainability Considerations
Being green is important for stores now. Pick eco-friendly materials like bamboo, recycled plastics, or FSC-certified wood. Using permanent displays makes less trash than using new ones all the time. Modular displays let you change things without throwing everything away. Light materials make shipping better for the earth. Getting materials from nearby and using safe options is good for the planet and shoppers.
Note: Green choices for retail displays help your brand and the earth.
You can pick from lots of materials for custom retail displays. Every material has its own good points, like being strong or looking nice. Custom graphics make your display match your brand. Point-of-purchase displays help you sell more and make your store look better. If you are not sure what to use, ask display experts for advice. They can help you choose the right materials and graphics for your goals.
Tip: Think about what your store needs before picking materials for custom retail displays.
FAQ
What materials work best for visual merchandising displays?
You can use acrylic, wood, metal, or cardboard. Each one helps you make displays that fit your store’s style. Acrylic looks modern and cool. Wood makes displays feel warm. Metal is strong and lasts a long time. Cardboard is good for displays you only need for a short time.
How do I choose materials for retail displays?
Think about how heavy your product is. Where your store is matters too. You should also know what you want your display to look like. Metal is best for heavy things. Cardboard works for displays you use for a little while. Wood and acrylic are good for showing off your brand and style.
Are eco-friendly materials available for visual merchandising displays?
You can pick bamboo, recycled plastics, or FSC-certified wood. These choices are better for the earth. Using green materials shows you care about the planet. Eco-friendly displays also help your store look good and meet your goals.
Can I mix materials in retail displays?
Yes, you can use more than one material. You can mix wood, metal, and acrylic together. Metal can make the display strong. Wood adds style. Acrylic makes things easy to see. Mixing materials helps your display stand out in your store.
How often should I update visual merchandising displays?
You should change your displays every season or when you get new products. Changing displays keeps your store looking new. When you update displays, more people want to come in and shop.
