The 12 Most Profitable Retail Display Types (And When to Use Them)

Retail Display Types

When it comes to setting up your store, how you display your products matters just as much as what you sell. The right retail display can catch a shopper’s eye, guide them through your space, and even increase impulse purchases. Whether you run a boutique, a convenience store, or a pop-up shop, knowing which retail display types work best for your products and goals is key.

That’s why, in this guide, we’ll explore the 12 most profitable types of retail displays, and offer examples, best-use scenarios, and expert tips to help you choose the right one for your space. From maximizing small countertops to organizing large seasonal promotions, there’s a display solution for every corner of your store.

Why Retail Display Types Matter

Retail displays are more than just holders for your merchandise. They tell a story, create visual flow, and influence how customers shop. A good display can:

  • Boost visibility for high-margin products
  • Encourage impulse buys at checkout
  • Help organize your store and reduce clutter
  • Create a more enjoyable shopping experience

In addition, these retail display types shape the identity of your store. Clean, creative displays communicate professionalism and thoughtfulness, which are two qualities that make shoppers feel confident about purchasing from you.

1. Drive Impulse Buys with Countertop Displays

Perfect for: Small items, point-of-sale merchandising, grab-and-go options

Why They’re Effective: Countertop displays effectively capture customers’ attention in high-traffic areas like registers and checkout counters, turning wait time into sales opportunities. As a result, they’re perfect for prompting impulse buys and showcasing new or seasonal items without much risk.

What to use: shopPOPdisplays’ acrylic and wooden countertop displays are designed with multiple tiers that allow you to organize and showcase products at customer’s eye level. They’re easy to build and collapse with no tools necessary, so changing up the setup is really easy.

Pro tip: Make sure your countertop display is always fully stocked and rotate items frequently to keep it fresh. Offer small bundles or discounts for add-ons to boost the sale.

2. Reconfigure with Ease Using Modular Displays

Perfect for: Rotating inventory, seasonal showcases, pop-ups, and ever-changing store layouts

Why They’re Effective: Configurable types of retail displays give you the flexibility to reinvent your layout as often as needed. For instance, whether you’re featuring a new collection, highlighting a themed assortment, or accommodating seasonal shifts, these systems let you adapt quickly without sacrificing style. Furthermore, modular pieces can be repositioned, combined, or displayed solo, making it easy to keep your space fresh and dynamic.

What to Use: The Woodland Park Collection from shopPOPdisplays  includes coordinating tables, risers, and shelving units that work together or independently. Each piece is crafted for visual impact and durability, making it easy to mix and match depending on your merchandising strategy. The floor-standing displays from the collection are also complete with configurable hooks, shelves, and pegs, so they can be adapted easily to your vision.

Pro Tip: To maximize impact, plan a rotation schedule for your displays—change themes monthly or quarterly to give returning customers something new to discover and shop.

3. Elevate Key Products with Acrylic Risers

Perfect for: Jewelry, tech, cosmetics, and decor

Why They’re Effective: Acrylic risers elevate items—literally and figuratively. By strategically adding height, they help you organize a display that feels balanced and professional while making featured products stand out. They encourage customers to view items from different angles, increasing visual engagement. Additionally, risers help define space within shelves, countertops, or cases, adding a polished touch without taking up too much room..

What to Use: shopPOPdisplays offers a variety of riser styles to suit different merchandising goals:

  • Solid acrylic blocks: Solid and clear, these cube-style risers are ideal for displaying jewelry, watches, or small electronics from every angle while adding a sense of weight and prestige.
  • U-shaped risers: These versatile risers allow you to nest products underneath or display above, maximizing space and giving multi-layered height in a minimal footprint.
  • Tiered step risers: Great for grouping similar items like cosmetics, packaged goods, or collectibles. The tiered design ensures everything is visible at a glance, especially in display cases or windows.

Pro Tip: Layer similar products in different sizes or colors across risers to help customers easily compare and choose.

4. Move Clearance Quickly with Dump Bins

Perfect for: Bulk items, discount products, toys, and grab-and-go snacks

Why They’re Effective:  Out of all the retail display types, dump bins invite interaction and exploration. By creating a sense of discovery, this type of retail display evoked the feeling of “digging for treasure,” which appeals to bargain hunters and encourages longer browsing. Also, they help you move large quantities quickly, especially when combined with bold discount signage.

What to Use: Acrylic dump bins keep things contained and visible while maintaining a neat presentation.

Pro Tip: Use signs to clearly label prices or deals, and avoid overfilling to maintain a clean look.

5. Make the Most of Space with Wall-Mounted Displays

wall mounted pedestal

Perfect for: Lightweight merchandise, accessories, small goods, and signage

Why They’re Effective: If you’re short on floor space, wall-mounted displays can help you reclaim vertical real estate. Not only do they maximize space, but they’re also ideal for organizing products by type, category, or price tier. In turn, they help create clean, visually appealing product walls. Plus, these displays can double as decor, adding both structure and personality to your space.

What to Use:

  • Pedestals: Wall-mounted pedestals bring a sculptural feel to retail layouts and are perfect for showcasing high-end items, shoes, or tech in a minimal, modern way.
  • Shelving Units: Clear acrylic or wood shelving units create sleek and spacious rows for displaying books, cosmetics, or accessories without visual clutter.
  • Display Boxes: Floating or enclosed wall-mounted display boxes help highlight limited edition or delicate items while keeping them secure and protected.

Pro Tip: Use wall-mounted displays to create designated zones—such as a “new arrivals” or “bestsellers” section—and reinforce wayfinding with signage.

6. Create a Gallery Moment with Displays Pedestals

Perfect for: High-end goods, art pieces, or new arrivals

Why They’re Effective: To spotlight individual items, pedestals are a more sculptural type of retail display that elevates single items to create impact and focus. They isolate products, encouraging customers to slow down and examine what’s on display. Plus, they add perceived value and are perfect for highlighting exclusivity, craftsmanship, or limited editions.

What to Use: shopPOPdisplays offers pedestals in a range of materials and finishes to match your aesthetic:

  • Acrylic pedestals: Sleek and modern, these work well in minimalist or high-gloss retail spaces. The transparency keeps the focus on the product.
  • Wood pedestals: Provide warmth and texture, ideal for natural or heritage-inspired displays.
  • Metallic finishes: Gold and silver pedestals add a luxe edge for fashion or tech retailers looking to make a bold statement.

Pro Tip: You can also customize pedestals with built-in lighting to highlight details, lockable cases for added security, and hidden storage compartments to keep backup inventory or promotional materials nearby but out of sight.

 7. Create a Fully Custom Display Experience

Perfect for: Brands with a unique aesthetic, luxury retailers, and concept stores

Why They’re Effective: Undeniably one of the most effective retail display types, fully customized displays let you create an immersive retail environment that reflects your brand identity. Whether you’re building a full branded pop-up or redesigning your flagship, a tailored display solution not only sets you apart but also gives customers a memorable experience. For instance, custom elements can include color-matched finishes, branded signage, and unique materials that align with your products.

What to Use: Partner with shopPOPdisplays to create display fixtures that are built to spec—whether that means custom shelving dimensions, color-coordinated units, or integrated signage.

Pro Tip: Keep function top of mind while designing your custom solution—well-thought-out storage and mobility options will help your display stay relevant long after the first installation.

 8. Showcase Valuables with Display Cases

Perfect for: High-value merchandise, breakables, or collectibles

Why They’re Effective: Display cases add a sense of formality and prestige to your store. They protect expensive or delicate items from dust, handling, and theft, while also offering full product visibility. Furthermore, these displays signal that an item is exclusive or premium, which in turn helps increase perceived value and buyer confidence. Additionally, by elevating how a product is presented, display cases support storytelling, making them ideal for rare, artisanal, or limited-edition merchandise.

What to Use:

  • Display Counters: These waist-height cases combine product visibility with easy access for store associates, making them perfect for jewelry, electronics, or collectibles that require customer interaction.
  • Floor-Standing Display Cases: These vertical cases are ideal for larger or taller items. They save floor space while offering full 360-degree visibility and often include shelving for category grouping.
  • Lockable Acrylic Cases: Lightweight and versatile, these are great for tabletops, endcaps, or shelf placement when security is still a priority.

Pro Tip: Add internal lighting or use risers inside the case to increase appeal and focus.

 9. Tell a Story with Window Displays

Perfect for: Eye-catching merchandising, seasonal promotions, and drawing foot traffic

Why They’re Effective: Not all types of retail displays allow you to tell a story quite like a window display. Serving as the first impression of your store, they allow you to communicate a theme, showcase key products, and set the tone for the in-store experience. By capturing attention effectively, a well-designed window display attracts passersby and invites them in, ultimately increasing your chances of converting browsers into buyers

What to Use: Use a mix of pedestals, acrylic risers, and display boxes to create dimension and hierarchy in your window setup. Add props or lifestyle signage to build a visual narrative that connects with your brand story. Lighting also helps highlight key pieces or add a dramatic focal point.

Pro Tip: Change your window display regularly—monthly or seasonally—to keep the store looking fresh and encourage repeat visits. Consider how your window looks during both daytime and nighttime for maximum visibility.

10. Make a Bold Statement with Banner Displays

Perfect for: Branding zones, promotional events, store openings, and seasonal messaging

Why They’re Effective: When it comes to impactful visual communication, banner displays are a powerful tool for storytelling, promotions, or reinforcing brand identity. By strategically placing them throughout your store, they help communicate your message clearly, all without needing to alter fixtures or inventory. In this way, think of them as an easy, modular way to refresh your environment and guide customer flow without committing to a full redesign.

What to Use: Use retractable banners, tension fabric displays, or hanging signs that feature your latest promotion, collection, or brand message. Pair them with tabletop popup banners and popup counters for maximum impact.

Pro Tip: Use bold, easy-to-read fonts and limit text to a few key words. Combine banner displays with directional signage or floor decals to lead shoppers to featured items or zones.

11. Engage and Inform with Digital Displays

Perfect for: Interactive merchandising, product demos, tech-forward environments, and high-traffic areas

Why They’re Effective: Digital displays capture attention and keep shoppers engaged longer. They can loop videos, run promotions, or offer educational content, all of which help drive purchase decisions. They also let you update messaging instantly, making them ideal for retailers who frequently change inventory or run limited-time offers. Beyond functionality, digital elements inject energy and movement into your display strategy, creating a modern, immersive experience.

What to Use:  shopPOPdisplays offers a wide selection of digital signage solutions for every kind of retail need:

  • Touch screen kiosks: Ideal for interactive catalogs, self-service checkouts, or product education experiences.
  • Mobile digital displays: Lightweight and freestanding, these allow for easy repositioning throughout your space and are perfect for pop-ups or temporary campaigns.
  • Outdoor digital signage: Built for durability, these are excellent for storefront visibility and attracting foot traffic with real-time promotions or events.

Pro Tip: Use digital displays near high-margin or new products to educate shoppers quickly. Pair with physical signage or QR codes to drive engagement across both digital and in-store channels.

12. Don’t Forget the Signs

Perfect for: Communicating pricing, directions, and brand messaging

Why They’re Effective: More than just price tags, signs reinforce brand identity, communicate key selling points, and reduce confusion. Strategically placed throughout the store, well-designed signage can increase perceived value, while also making the space easier to navigate. Ultimately, it serves as a powerful tool to help close sales.

What to Use:

Pro Tip: Use consistent fonts, colors, and icons to match your store’s branding.

Final Thoughts: Mixing Retail Display Types for Maximum Profit

Ultimately, using a combination of retail display types is going to be the most effective. Countertop displays drive small add-on sales, floor displays spotlight seasonal promotions, and risers help feature key products—all working together to guide the customer journey.

Think of it this way: your store is a mini experience. Strategic displays make it easier for customers to browse, discover, and buy. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of retail displays until you find what works best for your products and customer behavior.

With shopPOPdisplays, you can choose from a wide selection of high-quality retail