Displays in retail stores are undoubtedly one of the most effective channels for brands and private label brand owners to elevate their products’ visibility. However, the responsibility to sustain this effectiveness doesn’t end with the structure’s delivery and setup.

Let’s explore the various methods and strategies your business can apply to ensure your retail displays will continuously uphold your brand’s presence in shopping aisles.

Challenges in Retail Display Ownership

One significant hurdle of owning displays is the constant threat of displacement or modification by the retailer, often without prior notice or consent from the owner. The situation is compounded when retailers, driven by their agenda or preferences, give precedence to other brands, inadvertently sidelining your products. These can diminish your brand’s visibility and potentially affect customer engagement and sales.

Additionally, the positioning of your display within the store plays a crucial role in attracting shoppers’ attention. An unfavorable placement could mean your products go unnoticed, lost amidst a sea of competitors.

In this dynamic environment, vigilance combined with strategic planning and the right tools will ensure that your brand not only maintains its rightful place but also thrives in the retail landscape.

Elevate Your Retail Display with Signage Solutions

One of the best ways to safeguard your retail display is the strategic use of signage. Many business owners overlook this vital detail, but embedding signage into the structure of your in-store display is like putting your signature on it.

When designed well, signage can attract shoppers away from competition towards your brand because it reduces their search cost — the time and energy spent on looking for products to purchase. Plus, it’s a very effective tool for conveying seasonal or promotional messages to both existing and potential customers.

Below are our recommended display signages, each with their distinct advantages and considerations. These choices help your brand maintain a distinct presence within the bustling aisles of retail environments, regardless of your business objectives.

Adhesive-Backed Stickers

This option offers a simple yet effective way to ensure your brand’s logo or message sticks—quite literally—to the consumer’s mind. They are the fastest and cheapest to produce, and you can even design them in unique shapes that pop.

Adhesive-backed stickers offer ease of application on a myriad of surfaces. However, their lifespan might fall short when pitted against the rigors of a high-traffic retail setting, signaling a potential for frequent replacement.

Laser-Cut Metal Displays 

For a more indelible and intricate mark, consider the elegance and permanence of a laser-cut metal display. This advanced technique allows for intricate designs with clean, sharp edges, creating visually striking displays that stand out.

Laser cutting also delivers a high level of detail while maintaining consistency across bulk orders, saving both time and cost. The result is a long-lasting, professional display that reflects your brand’s commitment to quality and craftsmanship while adding a modern touch to any space.

Metal Plaques

The prestigious feel of stainless steel, bronze, copper, brass, and titanium is ideal for high-end or luxury brands. They exude sophistication that reflects the premium quality of such products and, consequently, their reliability. Each one also directly communicates to retailers that your display needs to be constantly well-stocked.

Robustness and elegant appeal are the allure of metal plaques. Crafted to withstand the test of time, these markers of identity marry durability with a distinguished presence. Their resilience against the elements ensures your brand’s message remains vibrant and unyielding over time.

Establish Clear Communication with Retailers

When discussing the placement and upkeep of your display with retailers, it’s essential to articulate the logistics — how long your display should remain on the floor and the frequency of restocking. Also convey the identity of your brand, the story it tells, and the experience it aims to offer to the consumer.

Here are several ways you can carry out this conversation:

Nurture a Mutual Understanding

To ensure your display receives the attention and care it deserves, build a symbiotic relationship with those who directly handle the presentation of your brand and products. Your objectives must align with their goals. Engaging in transparent and respectful dialogue creates an environment where your display is not just another piece of inventory but a valued component of the retail ecosystem.

Venture Into Proactive Territory

You can further solidify your display’s prominence in the retail space by providing detailed training sessions for retailers’ staff. Make sure they understand both the physical setup of your display and your brand’s ethos. This knowledge enables them to convey your brand message effectively to shoppers, creating a more immersive experience.

Conduct Regular Check-Ins

Periodic engagements with your retail partners act as a pulse check, ensuring that the vision for your display aligns with its in-store execution. These meetings are important in preempting potential issues and allowing for swift corrective actions to maintain the display’s integrity.

Invest in Incentives

Recognize and reward retailers’ efforts in promoting your brand to boost morale and encourage a deeper commitment to showcasing your display as envisioned. This strategy not only affirms your display’s ownership but also transforms them into partners championing your presence in the competitive retail landscape.

The Importance of Display Ownership for Your Business

Securing ownership of your retail display is an investment in the lifeblood of your brand’s market presence. Doing so delivers the following benefits:

Efficient Sales Channel

In an arena where visibility equates to viability, the way your products are presented can significantly influence consumer perception and behavior.

A display that showcases your brand serves as a silent salesperson who invites potential customers into a narrative where your products play a central role. These moments of engagement can transform passersby into patrons and curiosity into loyalty.

Round-the-Clock Brand Ambassador

Ensuring your display remains under your stewardship means it continues to communicate your brand’s message, values, and promise without dilution or distortion. It maintains a dialogue with your audience through every structural element, from design to signage, consistently and coherently in your brand story.

Reliable Customer Data Resource

This direct line to your customer base is invaluable and serves as a platform for immediate feedback and engagement. It can help drive iterative improvements and innovations in your offerings.

Your dedication to preserving the integrity of your retail display underscores a commitment to excellence and a deep respect for the consumer experience. It’s a strategic endeavor that boosts sales and fosters an ongoing relationship between your brand and its community.

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Incorporating 3D elements into your display enhances the perception of your brand, offering a sense of depth and sophistication that flat displays simply cannot match.

It’s an invitation for customers to engage, to be drawn in by the movement, and to explore what you have to offer. This method showcases your brand and tells its story, setting the scene for a memorable shopping experience.

Discover the various ways in which you can apply this innovative display to help your retail space shine, grab attention, and leave a lasting impression on shoppers.

Elevate Your Brand with 3D Branded Headers

Imagine your brand logo or key message coming to life, spinning gracefully above your product displays or featured promotions. Rotating spinners with custom 3D branded headers create a dynamic visual that not only catches the eye but also turns your retail space into a captivating spectacle. These innovative displays guide customers like a beacon toward your products in a crowded retail environment, blending movement and design to command instant attention.

For a more immersive brand experience, take it a step further by incorporating 3D product bags as headers. These displays transform your product into a three-dimensional showcase that grabs attention in ways flat images can’t. Picture a display adorned with intricately designed 3D bags, each representing your product with artistic flair, enticing customers to explore more. The depth and versatility of 3D signage allow your message to be experienced from all angles as shoppers move through the space, turning an ordinary shopping trip into an unforgettable brand interaction.

3D headers offer versatility, whether you’re highlighting a flagship product or promoting a seasonal offer. Together, they elevate the aesthetic and functional impact of your retail space, combining movement, design, and visual depth to create an experience that speaks volumes about your brand’s commitment to creativity and quality. 

In the world of retail, such bold and engaging displays are key to capturing customer loyalty and admiration.

Make a Statement with Raised Lettering on Side Signs and Shelf Strips

Crafting an environment that speaks to the discerning shopper invites them to a retail experience that is rich in detail and design.

For luxury and high-end brands, raised lettering presents an understated yet impactful way to draw eyes and engage customers. It infuses your display with a layer of sophistication and a tactile dimension that flat signage lacks. The subtle elevation of letters creates shadows and textures that play with light, bringing your message to life at different angles.

With this nuanced branding approach, your products speak directly to the consumer without overwhelming them. It’s the perfect balance between elegance and functionality, making your Brand Voice resonate in a crowded marketplace. Such a tactile communication method adds a luxurious touch, suggesting quality and care in every aspect of your presentation.

The customization possibilities with raised lettering are vast, allowing your creativity to flourish:

  • Wide variety of materials such as metal, acrylic, and wood
  • Sizes can be as small as the side of a shelf talker or as large as the top of a shop around Walmart display
  • Style it the way you like it, from thickness to font type and colors
  • Illuminate with a spotlight, backlights, or all-around LED lights

Whether it’s for highlighting unique selling points, guiding customers through your space, or reinforcing your brand identity, this approach provides a canvas for innovation. It can prove to be an integral part of your display’s aesthetic and contribute to the overall narrative of your brand.

Illuminate Your Products with 3D LED Lighted Signage for End Caps

In the retail world, lighting is not just functional but also transformative. Adding 3D LED lighted signage to your display’s end caps gives you the power to turn ordinary product displays into immersive, eye-catching masterpieces. It enhances the allure of your products with a vibrant glow that beckons shoppers from afar, even in daylight.

Combining the appeal of three-dimensional design with the brilliance of LED lighting provides depth, contrast, and intrigue to your end caps. That fusion highlights your products and reinvents how they are perceived, making them impossible to ignore.

In terms of branding, you have the freedom to use colors that match and/or complement your logo. This is an ingenious way to imprint your brand in the minds of consumers who are more likely to remember colors than names.

Also, the strategic use of light can accentuate key features, promote seasonal offerings, or simply breathe new life into your space. As customers navigate through the aisles, your illuminated displays will serve as luminous landmarks of an enriching shopping experience.

Is 3D Signage Worth the Investment?

The answer is a resounding yes!

In the bustling retail environment where competition for customer attention is fierce and first impressions are everything, the unique appeal of 3D signage offers an unparalleled opportunity to make your brand stand out. It crafts experiences that resonate with both loyal and potential customers, inviting them to stand at attention and listen to your brand story.

The initial cost of implementing 3D signage is offset by its lasting impact on customer engagement and brand recall. It’s a powerful tool that enhances the aesthetic appeal of your retail space while captivating and retaining customer interest at the same time.

Beyond mere visibility, this innovative approach to branding elevates perceived value and drives sales by fostering a connection with shoppers who put a premium on creativity and experience.

If your business chooses a 3D signage provider like Bordertown, you will benefit from durable and easy-to-maintain signs. We use only the best materials available on the market, which can withstand the elements and resist degradation from frequent handling and cleaning.

Check out our project portfolio here!

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If you’re not using in-store displays for your retail products yet, you might want to seriously consider doing so. And if you are, but your display structures don’t include any signage, we recommend adding it.

Consider these facts:

76% of American consumers are attracted by signage to enter previously unvisited stores.

68% of American shoppers base their purchasing decisions on signage.

In-store displays boast a 10% higher recall rate compared to digital ads.

Clearly, signage plays a crucial role in catching the eye of potential customers and conveying key messages about your products. Bordertown Retail Systems understands it, and in this article, we will explore our signage process and how we bring your brand to life through innovative displays.

Step 1: Start with Your Vision

The journey to impactful brand display begins with your unique concept. It involves your brand’s persona that you intend to present to retail shoppers, and its attributes that stand out among competition.

To help you out in producing a design that embodies the identity of your brand, the Bordertown team will ask you to provide the following information and assets:

Knowing these key elements to eye-catching signage will guide you in the design ideation process. On the other hand, we also understand the complexity of the conceptualization process, especially for startup business owners.

Hence, we offer two printing options:

  1. Bring us your print-ready art files, which perfectly capture your brand’s persona. We provide you with the required attributes, such as file size, format, color guide, and dimensions, to eliminate printing errors.
  2. Utilize our expert design team’s capabilities to craft signage that tells your brand’s story in a visually compelling manner. Be assured that we will work closely with you from draft to print-ready file until we capture the exact concept you have in mind.

This collaborative approach ensures that every piece of signage we produce meets the objective of accurately conveying your brand’s identity and message to your target audience.

Step 2: Bring Your Brand to Life

When the visualization you have of your brand’s identity transforms into tangible signage, that is when the magic happens. Upon approval, we entrust your finalized designs to our sign printer, who employs the latest in printing technology.

Our printing process caters to a variety of signage formats, from the sleek subtlety of adhesive-backed stickers to the enduring appeal of metal plaques and the distinguished elegance of 3D signage—customized to your branding needs and laser-cut to precision.

Each option is meticulously crafted to ensure your brand is not just seen but also remembered.

This step breathes life into your visual identity while promising durability and visibility. It is crucial because almost 70% of consumers equate the quality and aesthetics of a brand’s signage with reliability.

At Bordertown, we use only the best materials available on the market to guarantee your brand remains a constant fixture in the competitive retail landscape. Through careful design and production orchestration, we transform your brand from a concept to a captivating reality that commands attention on the retail floor.

Step 3: Seamless Integration with Your Displays

In the US, 54% of shoppers spend $100 on impulse buys, while 20% spend a minimum of $1,000. More importantly, 8 out of 10 of these impulse buyers purchase in a physical store.

To ensure that your brand captures this market segment, Bordertown incorporates your signage directly with your display units. This method guarantees that your brand’s messaging and aesthetic are not only consistent but also constantly visible to consumers.

By embedding signage onto the displays, we create a unified brand experience that captures attention around the clock. This strategic signage placement is also more than an aesthetic choice—it’s a practical solution to common retail challenges, such as lost signs and extended assembly times.

Our integrated approach enables us to pack both display and signage in one shipping box, streamlining the setup process and allowing for a quicker transition from delivery to display on the retail floor.

Benefits of Adding Signage to Your Displays

Integrating high-quality signage with your displays offers these advantages that go beyond mere aesthetic appeal:

1. Signage acts as a silent salesperson, guiding potential customers towards your products. At the same time, it delivers key messages that resonate with their needs and desires.

2. When your signage’s design bears your brand’s logo and colors, it enhances consumer recall, ensuring that your brand remains top-of-mind long after the initial interaction. This is particularly important in crowded retail environments where differentiating your products from competitors is crucial.

3. A well-designed sign can communicate your brand’s identity as well as the quality and value of your products, encouraging purchasing decisions on the spot.

4. By offering a flexible platform for promoting seasonal offers, new arrivals, or special discounts directly to consumers, signage supports the consistency of your retail marketing efforts.

In essence, adding signage to your displays is an effective strategy to increase visibility, stimulate interest, and, ultimately, drive higher sales. Leveraging the power of visual communication can create a compelling retail experience that captivates and converts.

Crafting Your Signage with Bordertown

A partnership with Bordertown Retail Systems opens up a world of possibilities for elevating your brand within the highly competitive retail sphere. Our end-to-end signage process is designed to ensure that every aspect of your brand’s presentation is not just seen but also felt by consumers.

From the initial design phase right through to the final display setup, we create and integrate high-quality signage that complements your products, reinforces your brand identity, and delivers your message directly at the point of sale. Our commitment to using top-of-the-line materials guarantees your brand stands out with sophistication and resilience.

This strategic approach, combined with our seamless integration techniques, offers a practical yet powerful means of enhancing your brand’s visibility and appeal, ensuring it captures and retains consumer attention in any retail setting. Choose Bordertown to make a lasting impression that drives engagement and sales.

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If you are a distributor or private label brand owner, we don’t need to convince you that a metal display is one of the best ways to increase your products’ visibility in retail stores. You know it, and you probably have at least one already installed. Should that be the case, then consider yourself fortunate.

Many entrepreneurs find it an insurmountable challenge. And if you belong to this group, we’re here to turn the tables for you.

In this article, you will learn the efficient strategies of winning retail store owners to your side, and allowing you to showcase your merchandise using a metal display in their spaces. Each of these methods has one underlying tactic — to demonstrate what’s in it for them.

Secret #1: Unveil the Power of Metal Displays

When you show owners of groceries, supermarkets, and convenience stores the following benefits of allowing you to display your products in metal structures, it would be difficult for them to say no:

Significantly Boost Product Sales

Metal displays outshine traditional in-store setups thanks to their distinctive ability to enhance product visibility. The key to their effectiveness lies in the design, which is optimized to catch the eye of potential buyers from the moment they enter the store. Consequently, they increase sales by 540%, improve the likelihood of purchase, and decrease “just window shopping” incidents.

Generate Interest Among Customers

By choosing a metal display, you create an immersive shopping experience for customers to engage with your brand. This strategic approach to product presentation leverages the structure’s aesthetic appeal and durability, which encourages customers to come back again and again.

Draw First Time Shoppers In

Through proper placement (in cooperation with the store owners), a visually striking metal display acts as a silent salesperson, offering an unparalleled opportunity to entice passersby. Making your merchandise stand out in a crowded retail environment and through the store windows attracts them to enter a previously unexplored establishment.

Secret #2: Address Retailer Concerns Head-On

As you propose the idea of a metal display to retailers, it’s natural for some of them to express hesitation. Below is a shortlist of their reasons and the corresponding responses you can use.

Longevity and Relevance

These are the predominant concerns among store owners. Hence, it’s essential to provide them with solid reassurance based on factual data: emphasize that a significant majority of free-standing metal displays (90%) remain in stores for over a year. This statistic not only highlights the durability and appeal of metal displays but also proves their lasting value.

Regular Maintenance Responsibility

Stocking and cleaning play a critical role in ensuring that your display continues to attract customers and drive sales. To a considerable extent, these tasks will be in the retailer’s hands. Therefore, it’s understandable for them to feel that being responsible for the structure’s ongoing success and presence is a burden.

In this scenario, it’s crucial to engage in an open dialogue and offer guidance on how to effectively manage the display to maximize its benefits. Address any logistical issues upfront. Discuss the simplicity of assembly, the minimal floor space required, and a strategic placement to enhance the shopping experience without causing disruption.

Low Margins

The maintenance and stocking duties of retailers come at a price: Every inch of space has a corresponding dollar value, and each staff assigned is paid by the hour. Thus, you shouldn’t be surprised if they demand a higher markup in return. But that doesn’t mean giving in is the only solution.

When you propose placing your metal display in stores, include a sell sheet of your products. This document must detail their sellability in short periods to convince retailers of their worth, even at a lower margin. Attach customer feedback if possible, and request documented success in existing displays if available.

By preemptively addressing these concerns with empathy and backed by data, you set the stage for a productive conversation that leans towards a positive outcome.

Secret #3: Demonstrate ROI with a Handy Calculator

Using an ROI calculator is an effective strategy for illustrating to retailers the value that a metal display can bring to their stores. This interactive tool allows for the input of specific metrics, such as current sales figures, customer foot traffic, and the projected increase in sales percentage that a metal display can contribute.

By providing a clear, data-driven visualization of how your display can boost sales and improve the store’s overall performance, you offer a compelling argument in favor of this investment. The calculator serves not only as a persuasive piece of evidence but also empowers retailers to make an informed decision based on their store’s unique dynamics and potential for growth.

Through this line of action, you highlight the financial benefits, making the prospect of adopting a metal display a more tangible and appealing opportunity for retail partners.

Secret #4: Offer a Win-Win Proposal

Approach the collaboration with a spirit of partnership. Illustrate how the metal display serves as an investment in the retailer’s success as much as it does in your product’s visibility. Start by emphasizing the mutual advantages: Increased foot traffic and sales potential for the retailer alongside heightened visibility and consumer engagement for your brand.

To make your proposal even more compelling, consider integrating tailored incentives. This could range from offering an introductory discount on your products for the initial period after the display is set up — to providing additional marketing support to drive consumer awareness. The goal is to emphasize the tangible benefits the retailer will gain by accepting your metal display.

Lastly, stress the seamless integration of the display into their current store layout without causing any disruption to their operations or aesthetics. Assure them of your support at every step, from the strategic placement to the hassle-free installation. Underlining these elements will not only ease any lingering concerns but also paint a vivid picture of how the structure can contribute to a more dynamic and profitable retail environment.

By focusing on creating a balanced proposal that addresses both parties’ interests, you are more likely to foster a cooperative relationship with retailers, paving the way for a successful partnership.

Navigating Logistics and Installation Smoothly

A strong relationship with retail partners is the foundation of successfully placing your metal display in their spaces. We suggest the following steps to get there:

  1. Engage the retailer in a collaborative discussion to pinpoint the optimal placement within their store, ensuring it complements their layout while maximizing your product’s visibility.
  2. Provide comprehensive instructions that detail the assembly process, emphasizing the simplicity and swift nature of setting up the display.
  3. Outline the best practices for ongoing maintenance and the efficient restocking of products to maintain an enticing appearance for consumers.
  4. Demonstrate a proactive approach and offer continuous support throughout this phase to reassure the retailer of your commitment to success, both the display and theirs.

This collaborative effort not only facilitates a smooth installation process but also lays the foundation for a lasting partnership, ultimately contributing to a positive impact on the retailer’s sales and your brand’s customer engagement.

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Colgate instead of toothpaste. Frigidaire, not refrigerator. Kleenex or tissue? Google it!

These brand names have endured for so many generations that they’ve earned the generic names of consumer goods.

But how did they achieve such status?

Branding.

In the competitive world of retail, standing out from the crowd is essential for success. Those who develop a unique and memorable look and then consistently or even ubiquitously display it emerge victorious.

One powerful tool that can help brands, distributors, and private labels attain this is branded signage. On the facade, within the walls, and along the aisles of supermarkets offering dizzying arrays of options — it attracts customers like a magnet.

Let’s explore the magic of branded signage that influences shoppers to gravitate toward certain product displays.

Defining Branded Signage

Branded signage encompasses any visual communication tool that incorporates a company’s distinctive symbols, colors, and slogans. This broad category spans from imposing storefront signs that beckon from a distance to the subtle product tags that whisper brand narratives directly on the shelves.

Whether it’s an aisle marker guiding a shopper through their journey or a promotional banner unfurling the latest offer, each piece of branded signage is a crafted element of the overall brand experience. It’s designed not only to be seen but also to resonate with the consumer, reinforcing the brand’s message and ethos in a physical form.

In a retail environment where every interaction can tip the scales, these visual anchors serve to familiarize, reassure, and engage customers. They elevate the shopping experience from a transaction to a dialogue between the brand and the buyer.

Through strategic placement and design, branded signage bridges the gap between a brand’s promise and the consumer’s impression, turning spaces into storylines and visits into journeys.

The Critical Role of Branded Signage in Retail

“Signs are the most effective, yet least expensive, form of advertising for small businesses.” – U.S. Small Business Administration

Branded signage transcends mere decoration or guidance within the retail environment — it is a fundamental element in the silent conversation between consumers and brands. This dialogue is crucial as it shapes perceptions, influences decisions, and nurtures loyalty, all without a single word being spoken.

As shoppers navigate through aisles, it is the branded signage that subtly guides their expedition by highlighting key products, special offers, and brands’ identities. This non-verbal communication is powerful as it creates a visual landscape that can either invite engagement or deter interest.

Retail stores are a realm where choices abound, and competition is fierce. Here, the strategic use of branded signage becomes an indispensable ally for private label owners and distributors. Through this visual medium, brands have the opportunity to distinguish themselves, tell their story, and connect with consumers on a level above transactional.

This connection is what boosts the shopping experience from a mundane task to a curated journey, with every sign a touchpoint and every visual cue a step closer to conversion. In the bustling marketplace of retail, branded signage is more than seen. It is felt as a unique blend of art, strategy, and psychology that engages the consumer in a meaningful, memorable way.

Branded Signage by the Numbers

As far as quantifiable impacts are concerned, branded signage emerges as a profound influencer of consumer behavior. Consider these intriguing data:

1. A FedEx Office study revealed that a staggering 76% of consumers were drawn into an unfamiliar store, captivated by its signage.

2. In the same study, 68% of shoppers associated the caliber of a store’s signage with the quality of its offerings.

3. The Sign Research Foundation found that 50% of new customers would patronize a business based on its signage.

4. Conversely, 54% drove by a business and didn’t notice it due to small or illegible signage, according to the Foundation’s study.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce says 55% of first impressions are visual, and Global Banking and Finance states that 71% of consumers are more likely to buy a product if they recognize the brand.

These statistics are not mere numbers. They are testimonials that branded signage is not just an aesthetic addition but a potent visual communication. In the bustling aisles of retail, where every product vies for attention, its strategic deployment is a decisive factor in consumer choices, and ultimately, in impacting a brand’s footprint.

Next Steps for Retail Distributors and Brand Owners

Business trends show a 20% uptick in overall growth when branding is consistent, and those who work on it enjoy 33% higher revenue.

For brands, distributors, and private labels poised to refine their retail spaces with the strategic use of branded signage, they must craft a well-considered approach:

Step 1: Begin with a comprehensive review of your current signage landscape.

This foundational step is crucial in identifying areas where your visual communication may lack coherence or impact. It also guarantees every piece of signage contributes effectively to your brand’s narrative.

Step 2: Commit to quality in both materials and design.

These elements are the cornerstone of creating an inviting atmosphere that draws the eye and withstands the test of time. Both reflect the enduring nature of your brand. Invest in personalizing them, and you win the hearts of 80% of consumers who will pledge their allegiance and spread the word.

Step 3: Recognize that the dynamic retail environment demands agility.

Regular updates to your signage ensure your messaging remains fresh, relevant, and engaging, and keeps pace with evolving consumer interests and market trends.

Make them fall in love with your brand story, and 15% will purchase your product right away, while 55% will seriously consider it in the future. As a bonus, 44% will even share your story.

Step 4: Embrace the continual process of evaluation and renewal.

Seize the opportunity to innovate and excite. Foster a retail space that resonates with today’s consumer while anticipating the needs of tomorrow’s. This forward-thinking approach will not only amplify your brand’s presence but will also deepen the connection with your audience, turning casual browsers into loyal customers.

The time and effort you put in will be worth it. Believe it or not, 60% of consumers will choose your brand over your competition even if your pricing is higher.

Step 5: Partner with a trusted brand signage provider.

Expertise, a wide range of offerings, and competitive pricing are the three key attributes of a good brand signage company. And when you’re vetting candidates, ensure they’re able to produce custom signs that will fit your display structures

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The advantages of displays in retail settings are well-known: Positioning your brand for success, catching the eye of consumers, and driving impulse purchases. Displays contribute to more than 70% of purchasing decisions made at the point of sale.

All these are highly important for many distributors, brands, and private labels, but choosing between metal and cardboard can be a challenge. Both options have their own set of pros and cons that need to be considered before making a decision. Every display is different and serves a unique purpose as well.

In this article, we delve into their main points to help you make an informed choice for your specific business needs.

The Pros of a Metal Display

Metal displays are structures made from tubular steel, wire, or sheet metal, often finished with powder coating or plating to improve their aesthetic appeal and shield them from environmental wear and tear.

The advantages of metal displays in a retail setting include:

Built to Last

These stalwart structures offer quality, durability, and longevity that outperform their cardboard counterparts. They are crafted to endure:

  • the bustling activity of foot traffic and shopping carts in retail environments
  • water damage, such as continuous mopping or heavy rain
  • heavier products and additional weight

Better Long-Term Investment

The resilience of metal displays translates into a wise investment for the future. Eliminating the need to replace them often gives you the advantage of additional sales at a relatively low cost.

Vivid Branding

Like a functional piece of artwork, metal displays help create that extra WOW factor, prompting an increase of 5% in customer satisfaction and 540% in sales. Their materials and construction methods allow for a range of finishes and detailed designs that catch the eye and draw in consumers. Also, they offer the flexibility of interchanging signage and products depending on the season or time of month. This is not possible with cardboard displays. 

Maximize Display Space

Metal displays are often designed to make the most of any space and ensure that every inch is used efficiently. They allow a tailored fit for various product types and sizes, which is an effective solution for visibility and accessibility. Additional shelves create additional space to hold more merchandise, increasing volume and sales.

Premium Placement

The semi-permanent aspect of a metal display makes it easier to receive premium placement. The success of Wise Foods is just one example: Implementing a metal display with signage resulted in approval to place racks in 100 more locations in high-traffic areas.

The advantages of using a metal display outweigh the disadvantages, but let’s dive a little deeper into the latter.

The Cons of a Metal Display

Before deciding to build metal displays for your items, it’s essential to address the challenges associated with doing so, such as:

Longer ROI Wait

The investment in metal displays is not a weekend sprint but a few months marathon, requiring patience to see tangible returns on investment. This can be a significant consideration for brands calculating their short-term (possibly tight) budgets and marketing strategies.

Requires Separate Product Shipping

You can’t pack merchandise on a metal display before it ships. This adds layers of complexity to distribution strategies and can sometimes slow down the delivery of products. As a result, it puts more responsibility on the store staff to stock the display and make sure it is always full.

Potential Display Space Theft

Metal displays, with their robust construction and often sleek design, can attract unwanted attention. Competitor brands may appropriate these displays for their own products if store staff forget to stock the rack. This poses a risk not just to the structure itself but also to the products showcased and may require additional security measures or insurance coverage from the original owner.

Despite these cons inherent to metal displays, their visual appeal, strategic positioning, and efficient use of space can lead to substantial sales growth and more attractive long-term investment.

How do cardboard displays compare? Let’s look at their highlights and challenges.

The Pros of a Cardboard Display

Cardboard displays are used not only in supermarkets and malls but also in trade shows and specialty shops. They come in various sizes, colors, and shapes, often holding cosmetics, electronics, bottled food and beverages, and toys.

These are good reasons to choose a cardboard over a metal display:

Affordable for All Brands

Made of an inexpensive material, these displays can be produced in large quantities, reducing manufacturing costs. This cost-effectiveness gives your brand a fully customized display on a small budget.

Versatile and Highly Customizable

According to Creative Displays Now, cardboard displays can be shaped to fit any product. They also come in hundreds of designs and may be placed in any part of a store based on the design. For a minimal cost, creative patterns and stickers could be printed to make a brand pop.

Environmentally Friendly 

For eco-conscious brands, cardboard displays are the best option. They are typically made to be 100% recyclable and take only about three months to break down. Vegetable based ink is also a printing alternative to further reduce pollution levels.

Lightweight

The inherent agile nature of a cardboard display simplifies logistics as it can ship as fully assembled, with or without products. This rapid deployment ensures merchandise will reach the marketplace without delay. Cardboard displays also require minimal effort to move, making for easy transport throughout a store.

Quick Turnaround

Creative Displays Now says corrugated displays are easy to manufacture. This means you can implement your merchandise strategy as quickly as possible. For instance, if you need to change a design aspect before releasing it to your retailers, you can request a new version and expect a fast creation.

Now that we have outlined the key advantages of cardboard displays, let’s briefly look at their disadvantages.

The Cons of a Cardboard Display

If you choose this option, be prepared for the following downsides:

Prone to Wear and Tear

Cardboard displays get easily damaged in large supermarkets. Continuous foot and shopping cart traffic can quickly cause them to become worn and battered. And due to their nature of soaking up water, cleaners can inadvertently make them soggy, and the printing could appear saturated.

Shorter Life Span

Cardboard displays are typically used for temporary exhibits. After a product has sold out, store employees are likely to throw them away as there is no need to keep them. On the other hand, if you decide to use it for a longer period, you may end up with frequent replacements.

Recurring Need

Even though cardboard displays are easy and cheaper to manufacture, they don’t stand up like metal displays. This creates a cycle of replacements that not only impacts budget allocations over time but also challenges sustainable practices despite the material’s eco-friendly nature.

Wasted Shelf Space

The bottom of a cardboard display mainly functions as support, especially when it’s used for heavier products. This translates to less merchandise space and, naturally, lower sales.

Choosing the Right Display for Your Brand

About 90% of companies see a 50% increase in sales after purchasing a display, whether it is cardboard or metal.

Selecting the ideal display medium is a strategic choice that depends on your immediate business objectives and long-term vision.

Metal displays cater to those willing to face the logistical complexities for the sake of enhanced branding and product placement.

Conversely, cardboard displays are a pragmatic solution for brands prioritizing flexibility, cost efficiency, and a rapid go-to-market strategy.

Deciding between the two involves a careful assessment of your marketing strategies, budgetary constraints, and sustainability goals. By prioritizing the factors most critical to your brand’s success, you can choose the one that meets your current requirements and positions it for future growth.

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Retail today is fast-paced and fiercely competitive. Add fleeting attention spans to the mix—an average of 8.24 seconds only—and you need something extraordinary to captivate and engage your customers.

A well-executed retail display is not just a visual treat, it’s a sales powerhouse. It has the potential to grab the attention of your customers and engage them on a deeper level, ultimately driving sales.

Why do Retail Displays Matter?

According to a study by the Journal of Marketing, well-designed displays can drive sales up by an astounding 540%!

Moreover, a study published in the Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services found that properly executed retail displays can enhance your customer’s shopping experience and contribute to at least a 5% increase in their satisfaction.

In an era dominated by online shopping, where consumers have virtually unlimited options, retail display strategies have become more critical than ever for brick-and-mortar stores. 

Mastering the art of retail displays becomes even more essential if you are a brand owner, or private label, as your products often rely on visual appeal.

Here’s why display strategies continue to be crucial in retail:

  • Attractive product displays can drive foot traffic and bring the shopper back to physical stores
  • Display structures allow you to showcase product quality and features
  • A well-designed retail display can drive discoverability and serendipitous purchasing by up to 62% of shoppers
  • Showcasing merchandise on independent shelves differentiates your brand and builds a unique identity for it

Moving Forward with a Retail Display Strategy

For businesses aiming to leave a lasting impression in the competitive retail arena, the strategic implementation of a sophisticated retail display is not just beneficial—it’s critical. These fixtures serve as silent salespeople, tirelessly working to exhibit your products in the best possible light, day in and day out.

No matter the display, they offer a unique opportunity to elevate your brand’s visibility and set you apart in a crowded marketplace. With the right design and placement, they act as powerful magnets that draw in potential customers and convert casual browsers into committed buyers.

Retail displays are especially vital for brands, and private label seeking to establish a dominant presence and capture market share. Investing in high-quality displays are an investment in your brand’s future as they facilitate immediate sales boosts and long-term brand loyalty and recognition.

Through the careful curation of your products within these displays, you can control and refine your brand’s narrative. Additionally, every interaction your customers have with your brand becomes an opportunity to demonstrate the value your products can bring into their lives. 

Remember, the secret to retail display success lies in grabbing attention, engaging the senses, and telling a compelling story. Get all of these right, and you’ll have created memorable shopping experiences for your customers, delighted them—and inspired them to make a purchase.

The best way to succeed in this endeavor is partnering with an industry expert like Bordertown. We offer a wide array of options for displaying all types of retail products in every part of your store, from aisles to counter-tops to under-the-counter. Our team is experienced in building custom retail displays as well.

Contact us today to explore how we can elevate your retail space and drive customer engagement!

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In the fiercely competitive landscape of supermarket retail, food brands vie for attention. Each seeking to claim a prime spot on the store shelves and in the eyes of the buying consumer. However, getting lost amidst a sea of similar products among thousands of supermarket displays is a common challenge for brands across virtually every food category. That’s where the power of effective merchandising comes into play. In the latest blog from Bordertown Retail, we explore how proper food displays can increase revenue for supermarkets.

Fact: a well-designed retail display can be the key to positioning your brand for success, catching the eye of consumers and driving impulse purchases. Unlike any other medium, these solutions pose a significant impact on customer behavior and are a testament to the persuasive power of visual appeal. By creating engaging displays through actionable strategy and effective placement, supermarkets can unlock that power.

Food Displays: Maximizing Sales, Increasing Revenue

The advantages of proper displays in retail settings are well-known. But what really underpins these advantages? Whilst there are decades of research and facts to draw upon, we have summarized these in three key points based on our first-hand experience.

1. Drive a Rapid Sales Lift

The success of Unique Snacks is just one example of how display programs can revolutionize a brand’s sales performance. By implementing our end caps and placing their products strategically in prominent locations, this brand witnessed a 38% sales lift in less than a month.

2. Delight Supermarkets With Increased Sales Volume

The success of display programs are not limited to the brands they stock. Supermarkets, too, benefit significantly from partnering with food brands that embrace this strategy. By encouraging brands to invest in eye-catching food displays, supermarkets can effectively drive more volume out the door and increase their own sales per month. It’s a win-win.

3. Transform Brand Success From Bottom to Top

One of the most compelling aspects of display programs is their transformative effect on brand success. A well-executed display has the potential to catapult a brand from a bottom-selling product to a top performer within a relatively short period. The enhanced visibility and increased sales volume generated by displays can significantly alter a brand’s standing in the market – and that of the supermarket that stocks it.

The Impact of a Display on Customer Behavior

Maximizing Sales: How Food Displays Can Increase Revenue for Supermarkets

Whilst cross-merchandising and general marketing efforts are essential to selling a product, the importance of proper food displays in relation to customer behavior shouldn’t be underestimated. Let’s take a look at some of the core benefits of taking a more considered and strategic approach to displays.

1. Stand Out from the Food Brand Competition

The market is awash with competing brands, competing visuals and competing messages. It is no secret that consumers tend to feel overwhelmed with the scale of choice on offer. Many products are similar and customers tend to purchase a product that directly faces them and visually entices them.

However, in many retail outlets, snack brands will be randomly placed on an empty shelf and blend into their surroundings. This surrenders their visual appeal and much of the work that’s gone into their brand identity. 

By strategically placing your products on eye-catching displays, you create an attractive focal point that draws the shoppers’ attention away from the routine shelf browsing. A well-executed display entices consumers to take notice, and that old mantra of “the first impression is the last impression” rarely rings so true.

Indeed, creating that lasting first impression is about more than just securing that one-time transaction. Capturing consumers’ attention in-store can be a pivotal moment that leads to increased brand recognition and loyalty; both for supermarkets and for the brands that they stock.

2. Position Your Brand for Impulse-Purchase Success

As previously mentioned, the benefits of creating long-term brand recognition and customer loyalty cannot be overstated. However, a critical aspect of understanding consumer psychology is in understanding the dynamics of in-store consumer behavior. 

The statistics in this area speak for themselves. A recent survey conducted in 2022, by Statista, suggested that consumers in the United States spent an average of over 300 U.S. dollars on impulse purchases each month.

These figures should be viewed with the added understanding that approximately 82% of buying decisions are made in-store. With this in mind, the benefits of having that perfect retail display are obvious.

3. Take Advantage of Convenience & Personalization

When it comes to product placement in supermarket displays, there’s a little more to consider than simply standing out and encouraging consumers to impulse buy. It is equally important to consider the importance of both personalization and convenience.  

  • Personalization: Research has found that companies who excel at personalization generate 40% more revenue from those activities than average players. Behind this statistic is a simple, yet powerful concept. Shoppers want that personal experience they can share with their friends and family as well as on their social media, so they can feel good about themselves. 
  • Convenience: This is key. We don’t just purchase according to what we see, but what is easiest to lift off the shelf. Consider this: 72% of shoppers complete their grocery shopping in 44 minutes. This reflects that your customers prefer to avoid crowded aisles and long queues. By positioning your products strategically, you can appeal to these bored and often rushed shoppers.

How to Create an Engaging and Effective Display

Maximizing Sales: How Food Displays Can Increase Revenue for Supermarkets

When supermarkets are adorned with attractive displays, the shopping experience becomes more engaging and enjoyable for consumers. In the next section, we highlight some key tips for creating an effective food display. 

1. Understand Your Customers and Their Preferences

In the dynamic world of retail, understanding the target customer is a cornerstone of success. Comprehending and acting on the diverse motivations and shopping behaviors of different customer groups is paramount.

  • Appealing to budget and purchasing power: One segment of customers seeks value and cost-effectiveness and often looks for private label products as a more affordable alternative to name brands. To win over a budget-conscious shopper, food displays should emphasize the quality and value of these products. Use eye-catching packaging that highlights key selling points and offers attractive deals.
  • Capturing the Fear of Missing Out (FOMO): In today’s interconnected world, social media and word-of-mouth recommendations wield significant influence. For brands seeking to capitalize on this FOMO-driven behavior, leveraging food displays becomes an indispensable tool. The display should communicate the uniqueness and desirability of the product, appealing to the consumers’ desire to be part of the latest trends. 
  • Entice explorers of new products: For another segment of customers, shopping is an adventure of discovery. Brands targeting these adventurous shoppers should design food displays that pique curiosity and offer something unique. Introducing limited-edition or seasonal products, showcasing innovative flavors or ingredients, and incorporating interactive elements can all engage this customer segment. 

2. Unleash the Power of Color, Lighting, Signage and Themes

To maximize the impact of food displays and entice customers to engage with the products, brands can leverage color, lighting, signage and themes strategically.

  • Captivate with color: Consider the colors that align with your brand’s identity and the products being showcased. Bright and vibrant colors can create a sense of excitement, while soft and soothing tones may be more suitable for certain products. Harmonizing colors with the overall theme of the display can thoroughly enhance your arrangement. 
  • Light up your display: Strategic lighting can transform the appeal of a food display and highlight the products in the most enticing way. Adequate and well-placed lighting draws attention to the products, making them stand out amidst the surrounding environment. Consider using spotlighting or accent lighting to illuminate the featured items, creating a focal point that captures shoppers’ gaze.
  • Impactful signage: Keep your brand message short, clear, and compelling to make a strong impression on consumers. For instance, if your brand emphasizes sustainability and eco-friendliness, incorporating messages about your commitment to the environment can appeal to environmentally conscious consumers.
  • Strategic Positioning: Placing the display at the end of an aisle or near a checkout line increases the chances of catching shoppers’ attention before they leave the store. Alternatively, positioning the display at the entrance allows shoppers to see it as soon as they walk in, creating an inviting and alluring first impression.

Regardless of how you follow the above steps, using one simple tool can help you maximize its effectiveness: casters. These retail favorites allow you to move your display from place to place seamlessly. Rotating the display throughout the store can also increase its visibility and reach.

Aside from the above steps, it’s also important to think about product arrangement on a general level. With that, here’s one of our most important pieces of advice. Always make sure each display has a specific product line on display. For example: display all flavors of popcorn on one display and all flavors of chips on the other.

3. Don’t Neglect Cross-Merchandising Opportunities 

Cross-merchandising is a powerful strategy that can enhance profitability and improve the customer experience. By placing complementary products together, brands can increase sales and encourage shoppers to explore related items. 

For instance, our customer, Wise Foods, successfully placed a chili powder display alongside watermelon bins, leading to increased sales for both products. Identifying opportunities for cross-merchandising, such as holiday-themed displays or promoting slow-moving inventory, can further boost revenue. Studies have shown that cross-merchandising can increase sales by 20% on average. 

Aside from the revenue benefits, let’s return to that point we mentioned earlier about convenience. Cross-merchandising is a no-brainer here. Streamline and simplify your customer’s experience by helping them find items that are often bought together without having to search the whole store.

Here are just a couple of typical examples of cross-merchandising: 

  • If there is an upcoming holiday or big event, merchandise your product with that theme. For example: for July 4th, place your display of chips next to the hotdog cooler so shoppers don’t forget to grab chips for their BBQs. Add all-American signage to the sides of the display to make it even more festive!
  • Need to sell your slow-moving inventory? Place multiple of the same display around the store to remind shoppers they are available. The more instances that you present a product, the greater chance that the product will be picked up and put in a cart.

4. Optimize Your Space And Supermarket Display Layout

Maximizing Sales: How Food Displays Can Increase Revenue for Supermarkets

Supermarket space is often limited, making it crucial to maximize every inch from floor to ceiling. Display smaller items with high impulse purchase potential, such as dips and small snack bags, near existing shelves can increase visibility and sales. 

Leveraging key areas of the store, such as end caps, checkout lines, deli and bakery areas can also lead to greater customer engagement and increased sales.

The checkout area presents an excellent opportunity for cross-selling last-minute items. Sell items such as snacks or beverages to customers waiting in line. Additionally, the deli and bakery areas are frequented by shoppers looking for creative products to add to their meals. This makes it an ideal spot for strategically placed displays.

Carefully considering aisle layout is also crucial. Many supermarkets have designated 4×4 spots for pallet drops such as pallets of fruit or in football season they might place pallets of chips or snacks. Our 4×4 shop-around is ideal for these types of spots.

Well-designed racks and shelves that maximize space usage ensure that every product is showcased efficiently and accessibly. Utilizing vertical space, adding hooks, or incorporating adjustable shelves can increase the display’s capacity while maintaining an organized and visually appealing arrangement.

Food Display: The Key to Successful Retail Strategies

It’s clear: food displays play a pivotal role in maximizing sales and revenue for supermarkets. Understanding customer behavior, creating engaging displays, and leveraging cross-merchandising opportunities, brands can set themselves apart from the competition and thrive in the highly competitive supermarket environment. 

A combination of visual appeal, strategic positioning, and efficient use of space can lead to substantial sales growth and increased brand recognition. Achieve all of this, if the above advice is followed. All it takes is some careful planning and the right choice of racking and display products. 

Maximize Your Supermarket Displays with Bordertown Retail

For more advice and guidance on creating effective displays, feel free to reach out to Bordertown Retail Systems. Our team of experts is dedicated to help your brand achieve exceptional results through impactful displays that resonate with customers and increase revenue. Together, let’s take your supermarket sales to new heights.

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Manufacturing day, is organized nationally by the Manufacturing Institute. It is manufacturing’s biggest annual opportunity to inspire the next generation. We want to positively shift perceptions about the industry, and build the foundation for this workforce of the future. The Pembina-Walsh 2023 day was the sixth annual event and was made possible by the Red River Regional Council. We were part of 7 companies around the area to host 190 total 7th grade students.

We provided an ambassador presentation and took the students on a facility tour. Our goal, to inspire next-generation workers to pursue a career in modern manufacturing. Showing the students how we manufacture our display racks and allowing them to ask questions about the process, allowed the students to become more knowledgeable in what this looks like.

Pembina-Walsh Manufacturing Day 2023
Pembina-Walsh Manufacturing Day 2023
Pembina-Walsh Manufacturing Day 2023
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