Maximizing Merchandising and Point-of-Purchase (POP) Displays for Local Impact

Introduction

The right display, in the right place, at the right time—point-of-purchase (POP) marketing is all about making the most of the final moments before a customer decides to buy. But for multi-location brands, getting POP right at scale means thinking beyond generic signage.

To make an impact, POP marketing strategies need to be localized, intentional and measurable. When displays reflect regional nuances, are placed strategically and include ways to engage, they don’t just look good—they drive results.

Localized POP Design Drives Connection

One Size Doesn’t Fit Every Store

A spring-themed display in the Northeast might not hit the same in Southern markets. To truly connect, POP designs need to consider regional preferences, seasonal timing and community relevance.

Ideas for localized POP design:

• Use local slang, references or cultural moments in signage
• Reflect regional sports teams, holidays or weather patterns
• Feature community-specific promotions or messaging

The goal is to make customers feel like the display was made for them—not just sent from corporate.

Strategic Placement Boosts Visibility and Sales

Where You Place It Matters

Even the most eye-catching display won’t perform if it’s placed in the wrong spot. Strategic positioning can significantly increase visibility and impulse purchases.

High-impact placement ideas:

• Checkout counters for last-minute add-ons
• Window displays to attract foot traffic and showcase promotions
• Aisle ends or power walls for product launches and seasonal push
• Entry points for new arrivals or limited-time offers

Think about how customers move through the store and place your POP to intersect with those behaviors.

Add Interactive Elements for Deeper Engagement

Don’t Just Display—Invite Interaction

Modern POP doesn’t have to be static. Adding simple, interactive elements can turn a quick glance into a moment of brand engagement.

Tactics to try:

• QR codes that link to product videos, coupons or how-to guides
• Scannable demos for tech, beauty or home improvement items
• Augmented reality (AR) overlays for new product storytelling
• Feedback buttons or SMS-based review prompts

These small digital integrations make your display work harder and create a bridge between in-store and online experiences.

Monitoring Effectiveness at the Store Level

What’s Working? Let the Data Tell You

It’s not enough to install POP displays—you also need to know how they’re performing. Store associates and field teams can play a key role in tracking success.

Best practices for monitoring:

• Use real-time sales data to monitor product lift during display periods
• Gather qualitative feedback from store teams and customers
• Track engagement metrics from QR scans or digital interactions
• Rotate display locations and compare performance

This data not only helps refine future displays—it also strengthens communication between field teams and corporate.

How GearBox® by IRIS Supports Scalable POP Execution

GearBox® by IRIS Strategic Marketing Support (IRIS) gives marketing and operations teams the tools to design, distribute and track POP displays across every store or region. From kit delivery to field feedback, everything lives in one centralized platform.

With GearBox®, teams can:

• Distribute localized display kits and guidelines
• Customize signage with approved region-specific messaging
• Automate shipping and confirm kit delivery by location
• Track execution and lift using store-level data and feedback

It’s a smarter way to manage in-store merchandising—without overwhelming store teams or losing control of the brand.

Schedule a Demo with GearBox®

If your POP marketing efforts are falling short, it’s probably not the creative—it’s the system behind it. GearBox® by IRIS helps brands scale and track in-store displays that actually drive results.

Schedule your free demo today to see how IRIS simplifies POP marketing across your network.