POP vs. POS Displays: What is The Difference?

12 May.,2025

 

If you work in retail or know about retail displays, you must have come across the terms POP (point-of-purchase) and POS (point-of-sale). Although the two are often used interchangeably, they are separate concepts with different purposes. So, what is the difference between POP vs POS displays?

POP is simply where the buyer considers buying a product. Point-of-purchase displays are the structures in various retail stores where the customer looks closely at a product before deciding whether to buy it. The displays could be at the store’s entry point, the furthest end of the aisle, or in the middle of the store. The main reason for using POP displays is for the brands to make their products more visible in the store.

Point-of-purchase displays stand in various parts of the retail store, allowing the customers to make careful decisions to buy them. On the other hand, point-of-sale stands are found near the cash register of the checkout counter, where customers can pick items and buy them immediately.

POS displays are usually bigger because they tend to hold larger items. They take up more floor space and can be used for multi-packaged items like soda cases. However, considering that POS items are meant to be bought impulsively and have to fit near the checkout, you expect them to take up very little space. They should be small and placed conveniently, aiming to drive last-minute purchases.

POP displays are designed to market the products and convince the customers to add them to their carts. They often have attractive graphics to promote brand awareness. In contrast, POS displays rely on impulse purchases. The goal is to appeal to the customer even if the products are not within budget. The perfect POS items include magazines, candy, chocolates, and toys.

POS and POP displays are vital for your business to help drive sales and promote brand awareness. The professionals at Dimensional Design help create eye-catching custom retail displays if you’d like to take your business to the next level.

For more information Custom pop display, Floor Display Stands, Countertop Display, please get in touch with us!