Choosing the right POP display is one of the most impactful decisions a brand can make to boost retail sales. This guide covers the 5 main types of cardboard displays — floor displays, counter displays, pallet displays, PDQ trays, and dump bins — and explains how to choose the right one based on your product, retail environment, and budget. Written by Cassie Lan, Co-Founder of Holidaypac, a custom cardboard display manufacturer since 2010.
Choosing the right Point of Purchase (POP) display can
significantly boost your retail sales. After 15 years in
the custom cardboard display industry, I have seen how the
right display increases product visibility and drives
impulse purchases. Here is a practical guide to help you
choose the best option.
THE 5 MAIN TYPES OF POP DISPLAYS
1. Floor Display (FSDU)
Free-standing units placed at aisle ends or near checkouts.
Best for snacks, beverages, and seasonal promotions. Offers
360-degree branding and holds large product quantities.
Ideal for Walmart, Target, and mass retail environments.
2. Counter Display
Compact displays for checkout counters. Best for small
impulse items like lip balm, energy bars, and batteries.
Low cost and easy to restock. Works best with bold colors
and a strong call-to-action header card.
3. Pallet Display
Large floor-level displays built on a shipping pallet.
Popular in warehouse clubs like Costco and Sam's Club.
Ships directly from factory to store floor with no
unpacking required. Very cost-efficient for high-volume
retail.
4. PDQ Tray (Pretty Darn Quick)
Pre-filled shelf-ready trays placed directly onto shelves.
No individual stocking required. Best for grocery,
convenience stores, and pharmacies. One of the most
cost-effective ways to differentiate your product on shelf.
5. Dump Bin
Open-top bins that create a value or promotional feel.
Best for candy, small toys, and clearance items. Very low
cost and easy to set up and replenish.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT ONE
Consider these 5 factors before ordering:
Retail Environment: A convenience store needs compact
displays. A warehouse club needs large structural units.
Product Weight: Match structural strength to your product.
Heavy products need double-wall corrugated board.
Budget: PDQ trays and counter displays cost less. Floor
and pallet displays require more investment but deliver
higher ROI at scale.
Retailer Requirements: Costco and Walmart have strict
height, weight, and structural specs. Always get the
retailer spec sheet before briefing your manufacturer.
Sustainability: Look for FSC-certified, recyclable
corrugated cardboard. It is eco-friendly, lightweight,
and fully customizable.
CONCLUSION
The right POP display directly impacts your sell-through
rate and brand perception. Work with an experienced
manufacturer who provides structural engineering support,
physical sample approval, and retailer compliance
guidance. At Holidaypac, we have helped brands across
North America, Europe, and Asia create displays that
genuinely drive results on the shop floor.
significantly boost your retail sales. After 15 years in
the custom cardboard display industry, I have seen how the
right display increases product visibility and drives
impulse purchases. Here is a practical guide to help you
choose the best option.
THE 5 MAIN TYPES OF POP DISPLAYS
1. Floor Display (FSDU)
Free-standing units placed at aisle ends or near checkouts.
Best for snacks, beverages, and seasonal promotions. Offers
360-degree branding and holds large product quantities.
Ideal for Walmart, Target, and mass retail environments.
2. Counter Display
Compact displays for checkout counters. Best for small
impulse items like lip balm, energy bars, and batteries.
Low cost and easy to restock. Works best with bold colors
and a strong call-to-action header card.
3. Pallet Display
Large floor-level displays built on a shipping pallet.
Popular in warehouse clubs like Costco and Sam's Club.
Ships directly from factory to store floor with no
unpacking required. Very cost-efficient for high-volume
retail.
4. PDQ Tray (Pretty Darn Quick)
Pre-filled shelf-ready trays placed directly onto shelves.
No individual stocking required. Best for grocery,
convenience stores, and pharmacies. One of the most
cost-effective ways to differentiate your product on shelf.
5. Dump Bin
Open-top bins that create a value or promotional feel.
Best for candy, small toys, and clearance items. Very low
cost and easy to set up and replenish.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT ONE
Consider these 5 factors before ordering:
Retail Environment: A convenience store needs compact
displays. A warehouse club needs large structural units.
Product Weight: Match structural strength to your product.
Heavy products need double-wall corrugated board.
Budget: PDQ trays and counter displays cost less. Floor
and pallet displays require more investment but deliver
higher ROI at scale.
Retailer Requirements: Costco and Walmart have strict
height, weight, and structural specs. Always get the
retailer spec sheet before briefing your manufacturer.
Sustainability: Look for FSC-certified, recyclable
corrugated cardboard. It is eco-friendly, lightweight,
and fully customizable.
CONCLUSION
The right POP display directly impacts your sell-through
rate and brand perception. Work with an experienced
manufacturer who provides structural engineering support,
physical sample approval, and retailer compliance
guidance. At Holidaypac, we have helped brands across
North America, Europe, and Asia create displays that
genuinely drive results on the shop floor.
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