Choosing between a sidekick display and a retail endcap display stand depends on what you want to achieve in your store. You should look at the size of your products, your sales goals, and how much space you have for in-store displays. If you want to attract shoppers with impulse buys or highlight new items, both displays can work well. Sidekick displays offer flexibility for smaller products, while endcaps are great for larger items and bigger promotions. The right choice can boost sales and help you stand out.
Key Takeaways
Sidekick displays are good for small and light products. They help people buy things without planning. They fit in small spaces and near other items.
Endcap displays are at the ends of aisles. They are easy for people to see. They work well for big products, new items, and holiday sales.
Put sidekick displays at eye level in busy places. Good spots are checkout lanes. Put endcap displays at aisle ends. This helps more people see them.
Pick displays that fit your store’s layout and product size. Think about how your customers shop and your sales goals. This helps you sell more.
Change displays often with new products or holiday themes. This makes shoppers interested and can help you sell more.
Sidekick Display Overview
Features
A sidekick display lets you show products in many ways. You can put these displays on the side of shelves or endcaps. You can also place them where lots of people walk. Most sidekick displays are small and light. You can move them easily to show new items. Stores use sidekick displays for seasonal goods or special deals. You do not have to change the whole store layout. These displays are good for small products. They are great for impulse buys. You can make a sidekick display look bright and fun. You can add your store’s colors or logo. Many sidekick displays are made from strong materials like acrylic or retail cardboard display units. This makes them tough and not too expensive.
Benefits
Sidekick displays give you many good things. They help you get more impulse buys. You put them where shoppers will see them. If you put a sidekick display near related items, it helps with cross-merchandising. For example, you can put batteries next to electronics. This helps customers find what they need. It can also help you sell more. Sidekick displays save space and keep your store neat. They do not cost much, so you can use many at once. You can show off different products. These displays make shopping easier and more fun. They help customers spot products fast.
Tip: Change your sidekick displays often. Use new or seasonal products to keep shoppers interested and boost sales.
Placement
Put sidekick displays where many people walk by. Good places are checkout lanes, aisle ends, and near doors. If you put a sidekick display at eye level, more people will see it. This helps you get more impulse buys. You can also use sidekick displays at the point-of-purchase. This catches shoppers who are about to pay. Put these displays near items that go together. This makes it easy for customers to grab extra things. Sidekick displays work in many stores, like grocery stores or specialty shops. They help you use your space well.
Endcap Display Overview
Features
Endcap displays are placed at the end of aisles. This spot helps more people see your products. Shoppers notice these displays as they walk by. Endcap displays are bigger than sidekick displays. You can show off more items or larger products. Use endcap displays to highlight new or popular products. These displays can stand alone or attach to a gondola. You can use bright colors and bold graphics to make them stand out. This helps catch shoppers’ attention. Endcap displays are made from strong materials. They stay neat and last even with many shoppers.
Endcap displays are at the end of aisles near busy walkways.
They can stand alone or be attached.
You can change shelf heights for different products.
Endcap displays give you room for creative displays.
Benefits
Endcap displays have many good points. They help more shoppers see your products. This spot gives your items more attention. You can use endcap displays to show special deals or clearance items. They are great for seasonal items too. Endcap displays can help you sell more by catching shoppers’ eyes. People often see these displays before going down an aisle. You can use them to show new products or bestsellers. Endcap displays also help shoppers remember your brand. They make a strong first impression.
Note: Products on endcap displays can sell up to eight times faster than on regular shelves because more people see them.
Examples / Details | |
|---|---|
Consumer Packaged Goods | Different sizes of packaged goods |
Candy and Confections | Sweets and treats |
Cosmetics, Health & Beauty | Nail polish, lipsticks, health items |
Electronics | Gadgets and accessories |
Hardware and Hand Tools | Tools and hardware items |
OTC Pharmaceuticals | Over-the-counter medicines |
Office Products | Stationery and office supplies |
Pet Treats and Toys | Treats and toys for pets |
Beverages | Water bottles, juice boxes |
Small Grab-and-Go Items | Gum, snacks, travel-size toiletries |
Clearance or Overstock Items | Discounted or extra inventory |
New Products | Recently launched items |
Seasonal Merchandise | Holiday or event-themed items |
Placement
Put endcap displays at the end of each aisle. This is where most shoppers walk by. This spot helps your products get noticed. Endcap displays work well for new or seasonal products. You can use them to group related items together. Make sure your endcap displays look neat and nice. Change them often for seasons or store events. Using endcap displays in busy spots helps more shoppers see and buy your products.
Key Differences Between Sidekick and Endcap Displays
When you choose between a sidekick display and an endcap display, you need to understand the key differences. Each display type has unique features that affect how your products look, how shoppers see them, and how much space you use. Let’s break down the key differences between sidekick and end cap displays so you can make the best choice for your store.
Size
The size of your display matters. Sidekick displays are much smaller than end cap displays. You usually see a sidekick display hanging on the side of a shelf or attached to an end cap. These displays often measure about 14 inches wide, 5 inches deep, and either 24 or 48 inches tall. Some stores use half-size versions that are only 12 inches high. This compact size lets you fit sidekick displays in tight spots or high-traffic areas.
Endcap displays are much larger. You find them at the end of aisles, where they stand out. Most endcap displays range from 23.5 inches wide for cosmetics to 52 inches wide for electronics. The depth is usually about 15 inches, and the height can reach up to 70 inches. These bigger displays give you more room to show off large or multiple products. Here’s a quick comparison:
Display Type | Width (inches) | Depth (inches) | Height (inches) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Sidekick (general) | 14 | 5 | 24 or 48 | Hangs on shelves or end caps |
Endcap (common) | 35.5 or 47.5 | 15 | Up to 70 | Stands at aisle ends, more product space |
You should pick the size that matches your product and your store’s layout.
Visibility
Visibility is a key factor in how well your products sell. Endcap displays have the highest visibility in the store. You place them at the end of aisles, where almost every shopper will see them. This spot helps you catch attention and drive more sales. Shoppers often notice end cap displays before they even enter an aisle.
A sidekick display also offers good visibility, but in a different way. You can put it at eye level on a shelf or next to a related product. This placement helps you target shoppers who are already looking at certain items. Sidekick displays work best for impulse buys or add-on products. They do not take up floor space, so you can use them in busy areas without blocking traffic.
Tip: Place your displays where shoppers naturally pause or turn. This increases the chance they will see and buy your products.
Flexibility
Flexibility sets sidekick displays apart. You can use a sidekick display for many types of products, from snacks and drinks to small electronics and cosmetics. These displays mount on shelves or end caps, so you do not need extra floor space. You can customize the size, shape, and branding to fit your needs. Some sidekick displays come with hooks, trays, or dividers, making it easy to show different products together.
End cap displays offer less flexibility in placement, but they give you more space for creative merchandising. You can adjust the shelves or add graphics to match your promotion. Endcap displays work best for larger products or when you want to create a big impact. You can use them for seasonal themes, new launches, or clearance events.
Sidekick displays save space and adapt to many product categories.
End cap displays let you build bigger, bolder presentations.
Best Use Cases
You should match your display choice to your sales goals and product type. Use a sidekick display when you want to:
Promote impulse items like candy, batteries, or travel-size toiletries.
Cross-merchandise related products, such as snacks near beverages.
Save floor space in smaller stores or crowded aisles.
Test new products without changing your main layout.
Choose an endcap display when you need to:
Launch a new product line or highlight bestsellers.
Run a seasonal or holiday promotion.
Move clearance or overstock items quickly.
Create a strong brand presence at the end of each aisle.
Both displays can boost your sales, but the key differences between sidekick and end cap displays will help you decide which one fits your store best.
How to Choose for Your Store
Picking the right display helps you reach your sales goals. You should think about your store’s layout, what you sell, how people shop, and your marketing plans. Use this section as a checklist to help you decide.
Store Layout
Your store’s layout decides where displays can go. Look at the space in your aisles, at aisle ends, and near checkout. If your store has wide aisles or open spots, endcap displays work well. These displays catch people’s eyes at the end of each aisle. They get lots of shoppers’ attention and let you show off big or many products.
If your store has narrow aisles or not much floor space, sidekick displays are better. You can hang them on shelf sides or attach them to endcaps. This saves space and keeps walkways open. Put sidekick displays in busy spots, like near checkout or doors, to get more impulse buys.
Tip: Walk through your store like a shopper. See where you stop or look around. These are good places for your displays.
Product Type
The size and packaging of your products help you pick the right display. Use this table to match your product with the best display type:
Feature | Sidekick Display | Endcap Display |
|---|---|---|
Size | Compact, narrow profile | Larger, wider footprint |
Product Types | Small, lightweight items (snacks, cosmetics, toys, accessories) | Bigger or bulkier products (beverage multipacks, household essentials, promotional bundles, seasonal gift boxes) |
Placement | Side of shelving or endcap | End of aisle, facing main path |
Visibility | Targeted, localized exposure | High-traffic, store-wide visibility |
Setup | Easy to install, often pre-packed | May require more space and setup effort |
If you sell small things like candy, lip balm, or travel-size items, sidekick displays are a good pick. For bigger things, like family snacks or cleaning supplies, endcap displays give you more space and help your products stand out.
Customer Behavior
Think about how your customers shop. Do they make quick trips and grab last-minute things? Sidekick displays at eye level or near checkout help with impulse buys. Shoppers often grab small, extra items when they see them here.
If your customers like to look for new things or deals, endcap displays are a good choice. These displays get noticed from many directions and show off special offers, seasonal items, or bestsellers. Endcap displays also help you promote bundles or limited-time deals, so shoppers may try something new.
Note: Both display types help you cross-sell. Put related items together to make shopping easier and boost sales.
Marketing Goals
Your marketing goals help you choose your display. Ask yourself what you want to do:
Want to launch a new product? Put displays in busy spots like endcaps to get noticed.
Running a seasonal sale? Use displays you can update with new signs or products.
Need to move clearance or extra items? Endcap displays at aisle ends help you sell them fast.
Want more impulse buys? Put sidekick displays near checkout or in busy areas.
Other ideas include using floor displays for heavy or many products, and keeping your displays fresh with easy-to-change designs. Seasonal sales and new product launches work best when you match your display to your campaign.
Checklist:
Check your store for open and busy spots.
Match your product size and packaging to the right display.
Watch how your customers shop and where they stop.
Set clear goals for each display.
Change your displays often to keep shoppers interested.
Boost Sales with the Right Display
Merchandising Tips
You can sell more by using smart display ideas. Bright colors and fun designs help get shoppers’ attention. Interactive things, like touchscreens or product demos, make people want to stop and look. Beauty stores sometimes use virtual try-on tools on sidekick displays. This lets customers test products before buying. You can also add your brand’s colors and logo to your displays. This helps shoppers remember your store and want to come back.
Here is how different industries use displays to help products get noticed and boost sales:
Industry | Endcap Display Usage | Sidekick Display Usage | Proven Strategy to Boost Sales |
|---|---|---|---|
Grocery | Show bestsellers like cereal, coffee, snacks | Put related items like coffee filters, granola bars, reusable bags | Bundle meal items for easy grab-and-go solutions |
Electronics | Show popular tech products | Place accessories like chargers, phone cases | Cross-sell accessories with limited-time bundles |
Apparel | Show off seasonal items | Put matching items like socks, scarves | Suggest outfit pairings that go together |
Beauty | Show full skincare or makeup lines | Add travel sizes, testers, and extras | Encourage impulse buys with mini-size combos |
Tip: Change your displays often. This keeps your store looking new and makes people want to visit again.
Common Mistakes
Some mistakes can make it harder to sell more. Try not to do these things:
Putting displays where not many people walk by.
Filling displays with too many products so they look messy.
Not using the same brand look everywhere, which can confuse shoppers.
Forgetting to update displays for holidays or sales.
Not teaching staff how to use interactive parts of displays.
If you avoid these mistakes, more shoppers will notice your store and want to shop there.
Measuring Success
You need to check some numbers to see if your displays work. Here are some things to watch:
Conversion rates
Average transaction value
Customer engagement (how long people look, what they touch, feedback)
Sales before and after you set up the display
Gross profit and net profit
Total revenue
New customer acquisition
ROI (Return on Investment)
How long the campaign runs
Compare seasonal displays
Note: Watching these numbers helps you know what works best. This helps you plan better displays in the future.
Picking between sidekick and endcap displays depends on what your store needs. Sidekick displays are good for small things and quick buys. Endcap displays help you show off important products and get more sales because they stand out.
Feature | Sidekick Display | Endcap Display |
|---|---|---|
Best Use | Impulse buys, add-ons | Product launches, promos |
Placement | Flexible, eye-level | Fixed, aisle ends |
Sales Impact | Frequent small boosts |
Tip: Check the checklist and tips to pick the right display. This will help you sell more and keep shoppers interested.
FAQ
What products work best on a sidekick display?
You should use sidekick displays for small, lightweight items. Snacks, batteries, cosmetics, and travel-size products fit well. These displays help you boost impulse buys and cross-sell related items.
How often should I change my endcap display?
You should update endcap displays every two to four weeks. New products, seasonal themes, or special promotions keep your display fresh. This helps you attract more shoppers and increase sales.
Can I use both sidekick and endcap displays in my store?
Yes! You can use both types together. Place sidekick displays near related products for add-on sales. Use endcap displays to highlight new or featured items. This strategy helps you reach more customers.
Do I need special tools to install these displays?
Most sidekick and endcap displays come ready to use. You may need basic tools like a screwdriver for some setups. Always follow the instructions from your display supplier.
How do I know if my display is working?
Track sales before and after you set up your display. Watch for more customer interest and higher sales numbers. You can also ask shoppers for feedback to see what works best.
