Point-of-sale display (POS): which supports to activate a store?

In short: point-of-sale display (POS, “PLV” in French) covers all the supports that showcase a product in-store. Its role: catch attention at the last moment — the moment of the purchase decision at the shelf.

What POS display is for

In-store, a large share of decisions are made on the spot. POS display guides the eye, stages the product and triggers impulse purchase. It’s the physical extension of a campaign, closest to the checkout.

Main supports

• Display stands (cardboard, wood, metal): showcase a product or range.
• Shelf-stoppers & rails: catch the eye in the aisle.
• Roll-ups, totems, posters: signal an offer or a world.
• Islands & gondola ends: premium in-store locations.
• Digital POS: in-aisle screens, more flexible.

Criteria for effective POS

• Visibility: it must be seen from afar and interrupt the journey.
• Clarity: an instantly legible message and offer.
• Consistency with the overall campaign.
• Sturdiness: POS that lasts and withstands traffic.

FAQ

POS display and merchandising — same thing? No: merchandising organises the overall shelf layout; POS display is a communication support that showcases a product.

Does digital POS replace cardboard? It complements it: digital adds flexibility, cardboard remains economical and effective for one-off operations.

Who makes POS displays? Specialised manufacturers (cardboard, wood, metal, digital POS), often in coordination with the agency or brand.

PubliCité France — blog, POS display. French version: /blog/plv-point-de-vente/