How Cardboard Display Stands Affect In-Store Display Outcomes and Profit

Point of purchase displays can change what shoppers notice and buy inside a store. Over time, research has shown that a growing share of purchase decisions happen in store, rising from about 70 percent in the 1990s to over 80 percent by the mid 2010s. A POPAI industry study in 2014 reported that 82 percent of mass merchant purchase decisions were made in store, and about 16 percent of unplanned purchases were triggered by a display the shopper noticed.

Cardboard display stands are widely used for short promotional windows, often weeks or a few months. These cardboard point of sale displays are typically made from corrugated cardboard or reinforced paperboard. Compared with permanent fixtures made from metal, wood, or plastic, corrugated cardboard displays are lighter, easier to customize, and easier to recycle. That combination makes them a practical tool for seasonal campaigns, product launches, and limited time offers.

Why Cardboard Point of Purchase Displays Work

1 They win attention in high traffic zones

Cardboard POS display stands are often placed where shoppers naturally slow down or change direction, such as end caps, near checkout, store entrances, and open floor locations. This positioning matters because it reaches shoppers while they are still deciding.

2 They create novelty that breaks routine

Permanent fixtures can become part of the background. A temporary retail floor display feels new, so it is more likely to be noticed. Clean headers, bold graphics, and seasonal themes can interrupt habitual shopping patterns and increase engagement.

3 They make the offer easier to understand

A good cardboard point of sale display does more than hold products. It can quickly communicate a price offer, a bundle, or one clear benefit. For example, a holiday gift set placed on a festive cardboard floor display near the main aisle can turn a quick glance into an add on purchase. In grocery, a beverage display near the entrance during hot weather can connect the product to an immediate need and increase impulse buying.

Sales Uplift and ROI Compared With Permanent Fixtures

Sales uplift measures the percentage increase in sales linked to a display. Both temporary cardboard displays and permanent fixtures can lift sales, but their economics differ.

Cardboard display stands often deliver strong short term impact during the campaign period. They also tend to cost far less per unit than permanent fixtures. Because the upfront cost is lower, the payback threshold is usually easier to reach, especially for products with healthy margins.

Permanent fixtures can still make sense for stable product lines that need consistent visibility over months or years. The tradeoff is flexibility. If the product, branding, or planogram changes, updates and replacements are typically slower and more expensive than refreshing a cardboard display for the next promotion.

Many brands use both: cardboard displays for launches and seasonal pushes, and permanent fixtures for long term anchors.

Total Cost Advantages of Corrugated Cardboard Displays

Shipping and storage

Most corrugated POS displays ship flat, reducing freight weight and cube. Flat packing also makes store distribution easier across large retail networks.

Faster setup

Many cardboard display stands use tool free assembly with tabs and slots. Store staff can often set them up quickly with minimal disruption.

Low maintenance

Cardboard displays are designed for short use and then removal, often with recycling. Instead of repairing a worn display, brands usually replace it for the next campaign.

Sustainability Benefits That Support Brand Value

Sustainability is now part of how shoppers evaluate brands in store. Cardboard displays support this shift because they are commonly made with recycled fiber and can be recycled through established paper recovery systems in many markets. Their lighter weight can also reduce transport emissions compared with heavier fixture materials.

A recyclable display stand can also reinforce brand trust when the sustainability message is consistent with the product and packaging.

Best Formats and Placements for Cardboard Displays

1 End cap display
Best for high visibility and quick conversion in busy aisles.

2 Retail floor display stand
Best for seasonal promotions, new launches, and high traffic walkways.

3 Countertop cardboard display
Best for small items and impulse add ons near checkout and service counters.

4 PDQ display
Best for fast rollout when you want a display that arrives packed with product and sets up quickly.

Quick Checklist for Better Results

• One product story per display
• One key benefit and one clear offer
• Stable structure that matches product weight
• Placement aligned with shopper flow
• Simple setup so stores actually deploy it

If you are evaluating cardboard display programs, Meiya Display focuses on campaign ready designs that support quick updates without the long commitment of permanent fixtures.

FAQ

What is a cardboard display stand

A cardboard display stand is a temporary POS fixture made from corrugated cardboard or paperboard that presents products in high visibility store locations.

Where should a cardboard point of sale display be placed

Common high performing locations include end caps, checkout zones, entrances, and open floor spots along main traffic paths.

Are corrugated cardboard displays recyclable

In many markets, corrugated cardboard can be recycled through paper recycling systems. Follow local rules and remove non paper components if needed.

‍