Discover powerful pos activation strategies for your store when you want to boost visibility, engage shoppers and drive sell-out across your network. By combining smart materials, eye-catching design and measurable workflows, you’ll create in-store experiences that convert browsers into buyers. In this guide you’ll learn how to harness corrugated solutions, high-impact printing and data-driven testing to activate your point-of-sale effectively.
Understand pos activation
What are pos activation strategies
Pos activation strategies are the in-store marketing tactics you use to draw attention at the shelf, counter or floor display. They include branded stands, countertop units and interactive features that prompt shoppers to stop, engage and purchase. By choosing the right mix of visuals, materials and messaging, you guide customers along their buying journey, lifting conversion rates and sell-out performance.
Why pos activation matters
You operate across 50 to 500 outlets, so consistency and modularity are essential. Effective pos activation not only enhances brand recall, it also:
- Elevates product visibility amid competing lines
- Supports promotions and limited editions
- Improves shopper experience with tactile or digital interactions
- Delivers measurable uplifts in sell-out and return on investment
Choose right materials
Benefit of corrugated board
Corrugated board is natural, biodegradable and recyclable, making it ideal for sustainable POS solutions (Estic Maillot). Single-wall or double-wall constructions with various flute profiles offer rigidity, vertical compression strength and cushioning to protect products in high-traffic environments.
Custom cardboard sleeves
Cardboard sleeves add a layer of functionality and branding around packs or bottles. They enhance shelf appeal by highlighting your graphics and text while protecting the product. You can explore our range of cardboard merchandising displays to see how sleeves integrate seamlessly with floor or countertop units.
Finishes for impact
- UV spot varnish: emphasises specific logos or artwork
- Hot foil stamping: adds shiny metallic accents for a premium look (estic-maillot.com)
- Embossing: creates textured reliefs that invite touch (estic-maillot.com)
- Silver foil lamination: offers a metallic effect at lower cost than stamping (estic-maillot.com)
Printing technologies
Choosing the right print method affects cost, turnaround and customisation:
| Method | Pros | Cons | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Offset printing | High quality, cost efficient for large runs | Longer setup, less flexible | Standard POS elements |
| Digital printing | Fast turnaround, low minimums, detailed design | Slightly higher unit cost | Limited editions, variable data, bespoke panels |
| Hybrid approach | Offset for base, digital for front-panel | Requires workflow coordination | Customisation with volume savings (Estic Maillot) |
Design eye-catching displays
Floor stands vs countertop units
Floor and counter units serve different shopper journeys:
- Floor stands: ideal for new launches and high-impact zones, they guide traffic flow and can be placed in gondolas or aisles
- Countertop units: perfect for impulse buys at point-of-sale, they fit neatly beside the till and encourage add-on sales
When planning, consider dimensions, modular attachments and refill strategies to keep displays fresh across all your outlets.
Add augmented reality features
Integrating augmented reality (AR) or customised QR codes into your corrugated displays creates interactive opportunities. Shoppers can scan for product demos, recipes or loyalty rewards, extending engagement beyond the shelf (Estic Maillot). This tech-driven approach boosts dwell time and enriches the in-store experience.
Streamline production process
Hybrid printing workflow
Combining offset and digital printing optimises cost and flexibility. Use offset for common graphics and structural elements, then apply digital technology to personalise front panels, serial numbers or limited series details. This hybrid workflow accelerates production while keeping unit costs in check.
Automated assembly
Numerically controlled hotmelt plotters glue POP displays with precision and speed, ensuring consistent quality across all units (Estic Maillot). Investing in automated assembly tools reduces manual errors and cuts turnaround times, so you can deploy campaigns faster.
Measure and refine approach
Key performance indicators
To prove ROI on your pos activation strategies, track:
- Sell-out uplift: percentage increase in sales during activation
- Dwell time: average time shoppers spend at the display
- Repeat purchase rate: how often customers return for the same item
- Promotion redemption: scans or codes used via AR or QR features
Iteration and testing
Use small batch runs to pilot new designs or finishes. Collect data from field teams and in-store sensors, then refine your graphics, placement or messaging. Continuous testing helps you optimise modular components and scale what works best across all retail points.
Frequently asked questions
-
What budget should I allocate for pos activation strategies?
Aim for 2 to 5 percent of your gross sales for in-store marketing. Adjust based on campaign complexity and customisation level. -
How long does it take to produce custom displays?
With a hybrid printing and automated gluing process, lead times can range from 2 to 4 weeks. Early planning and clear artwork approvals speed up delivery. -
Are corrugated displays durable enough for long campaigns?
Yes, by selecting the right flute profile and wall type, you ensure rigidity and vertical compression strength for durations of 3 to 6 months. -
How can I integrate digital experiences at point-of-sale?
Add QR codes or AR markers to your corrugated units. When scanned, they unlock product information, promotions or gamified content that keeps shoppers engaged. -
What metrics prove activation success?
Track sell-out uplift, dwell time, repeat purchase rate and promotion redemption. Compare against baseline sales to quantify impact.
By combining the right materials, high-impact design and data-driven measurement, your pos activation strategies will boost visibility and sell out products across your store network. Start small, learn fast and scale the elements that deliver the best returns.