4 Tips for Easy Assembly of Retail Point of Purchase Displays
Updated August 2025
In this article:
Some assembly is required.
When hearing this phrase, you may think of vague directions, missing screws or a final display that does not resemble the one that was promised.
It doesn’t have to be that way. There’s no reason a retailer assembling a point of purchase display should have trouble. We’ve compiled some simple principles to keep in mind to take the pain out of the process.
Since 1977, McIntyre Manufacturing Group has specialized in custom-designed displays, built with precision, innovation, and a commitment to exceptional customer service. Leveraging the latest technology and expert craftsmanship, we transform ideas into high-quality, eye-catching solutions. If you can envision it, we can build it. Contact us today to bring your display concept to life.
Quickly and Easily Assemble Retail POP Displays Whether in the Backroom or the Retail Floor: Here’s How:
1. Take inventory of your items before starting.
Before starting on the assembly, go through the parts list to make sure all of the pieces arrived. This is also an opportunity to grab any tools you might need and place them nearby for easy access.
2. Envision your finished product.
Do you know what your finished product is supposed to look like? This may be particularly helpful if the person assembling the display was not involved in the design process.
At McIntyre Displays, we include a detailed instruction sheet with photos of each of our displays. Knowing what the display will look like when finished will help you keep track of your progress and better visualize the instructions.
3. Design the display with minimum components in mind.
Assembling a POP display should not be a difficult, time-consuming process. We also make sure that your display is professional, eye-catching, and assembly requires a minimal amount of components.
When designing your display, try to implement spring buttons and holes whenever possible. This eliminates the need for extra tools and helps ensure a speedy set-up.
4. Consider sending your display already assembled.
Perhaps the easiest way is just to send a display already completed and tailored with your exact specifications. That’s why at McIntyre Manufacturing, our dedication doesn’t stop when the display is built. We offer to pack and ship your customized retail displays how you want, whether that’s to your product representatives, a warehouse or to a retail store.
There are several ways we help ensure easy, efficient POP display
Our designers consider every aspect of each product they create. We provide the highest level of service for our clients and make assembly much easier by:
- Providing detailed, easy-to-understand instruction sheets with photos
- Designing displays to minimize the components, and as a result, reducing the number of steps required to assemble the unit
- Limiting the number of tools needed to assemble the unit
- Including a check list so customers can be sure they have received all of the parts before assembly
We also go the extra mile by looking at cost-savings measures on freight due to reduced shipping size.
Our dedication to your brand doesn’t stop when the display is finished
Everything will arrive safely, correctly, and just the way you’d imagined it.
No exceptions.
We understand the challenges facing businesses today, and that’s why we want to partner with you to provide the best design and display to fit your needs. Our extensive portfolio is a witness to our tireless dedication.
Of course, we realize there’s much more to a design than the “nuts and bolts” of a project. We want to capture the essence of your brand in a manner that features both engineering innovation and creative artistry. Whether you have something specific in mind or a rough sketch, we’d love to talk with you.
We’ve covered the essentials of display assembly, and many of the displays that require it are specifically designed for compact spaces. With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at these space-saving displays—and explore six effective ways to maximize their impact.
Say More with Less – Make the Most Out of Small Retail Spaces
Imagine that your company is about to roll out a new product, and you’ve just discovered that the amount of retail space available is dramatically reduced. How can you create dynamic custom POP displays when you’re limited to a small amount of space?
Our extensive experience has shown us that bigger isn’t always better. A tight spot doesn’t have to abbreviate your sales pitch. We’ve found several ways that you can express a clear message when square footage is at a premium.
1. Use your color palate to your advantage.
Lighter colors, grays, and neutrals seem to “open up” an area, often giving the illusion that the space is larger than it actually is. Utilize this principle with your POP retail display. Remember, if your company logo requires a bright, bold color, then make sure the rest of your POP design is subtle and understated so the customer isn’t overwhelmed by a variety of graphics in a small amount of space.
2. Make sure your messaging is concise.
Extensive verbiage is distracting even on larger displays. With smaller ones, it’s even more important to hone your messaging to be as clear and brief as possible. Make sure that the smaller display doesn’t sacrifice readability — be sure your message is clear and succinct in a font that is large enough to be easily read by audience who are “skim reading.”
3. Consider a wall or grid display.
Shelving, slat walls and grid walls are perfect for showcasing tools, accessories, and even clothing.
4. Utilize appropriate lighting.
We’ve already explored how LED lighting can enhance your display and your bottom line. Lighting is even more important in a smaller space. By creating a well-lit area, your customers’ eyes naturally gravitate toward your product.
5. Use spinning displays.
Spinning displays are perfect for books, cards, paper products, jewelry, and smaller items such as screws or nails. They utilize a minimum amount of space yet can display multiple varieties of your items. They also encourage customer engagement, something that is very important in helping you make a sale.
6. Make sure you’re making the most of vertical space.
Have you considered ceiling mounts? Perhaps a taller end display unit? Nesting tables may help convey the diversity or highlight various sizes of your latest products? Don’t limit yourself to thinking in a strictly horizontal fashion. Thinking out-of-box can lead to big rewards, especially when there is a small retail footprint within which to display your products.
McIntyre Manufacturing Can Help You Determine the Best Strategy for the Space Available
Need a POP display for a small space? We’ve got big ideas to help you showcase your product in a way that isn’t limited by square footage. Simply take a look at some of the floor displays in our portfolio to see how we make the most out of vertical space.
We’re not just the design company that can make your vision reality–we’re the design company you can trust with the integrity of your product. Contact us for more information—we’d love the opportunity to serve you.
We’ve indicated the importance of easy assembly and making the best use of available space—but all these mean nothing if your display is lackluster and boring. You need a dynamic message that captivates shoppers and turns them into buyers.
Next, we’ll take a look at some innovative display ideas that do exactly that.
Stop Customers in Their Tracks with These Floor Display Ideas
The myriad of products and displays can create sensory overload. In this competitive economy, you have to constantly reach for the creative connection, one that appeals to both the consumer’s needs and emotions. Breaking the mold is the key to getting the best return on your POP display investment.
At McIntyre Manufacturing, we not only have the technical expertise to provide the highest quality products, but we also have some of the most creative minds in the business. We’ve compiled a list of dynamic floor display ideas that will help you stop customers in their tracks, ensuring that your product stands out above the crowd.
Take a Closer Look at These Creative Display Ideas
1. Use a corrugated cardboard POP display to create a work of art
Through the use of corrugated cardboard, you can create sculptures and other artistic items that interact with your product. Imagine a detailed, 6-foot, cardboard spaceship to display the latest action figures. Perhaps you could replicate a picnic basket or table and place setting to promote your food items.
Chandeliers, animals, giant chess pieces—the flexibility of this material means the possibilities are endless.
2. Create a scene that seamlessly integrates your product
Let’s imagine that your company makes a wide variety of power tools. You could simply create a floor display that neatly and prominently features them, but why not go a step further and create an entire scene?
If, for example, your company manufactures a wide variety of camping equipment, this is a perfect opportunity to set up a simulated camp as a floor display. You can easily incorporate your tents, sleeping bags, camp stoves and other products you want to promote.
By combining these products and centering them around a common element – such as camping – you can evoke the imagination of the consumer. Even better, you’re creating an experience that customers will carry with them after they’ve left your store.
This means that they are no longer merely viewing your product, they are imagining themselves using it.
3. Use unusual or unexpected shapes
Provide the unexpected. Consumers are used to seeing tall, narrow and rectangular displays, so an unusual shape will stand out and attract attention. Even better, create displays that seem to defy gravity — such as a bottle seemingly suspended in mid-air, “pouring” ketchup or soda.
4. Take advantage of texture for a complete sensory experience
Did you know that rubbing a rough surface can help people to empathize with others?
If you have any doubt about the impact of texture on consumer psychology, look no further than an article in the Daily Mail.
Researchers found that those who experienced mild discomfort – such as touching sandpaper – felt more aware of the plight of the less fortunate, and therefore more likely to make a charitable donation after feeling the discomfort.
Texture creates an emotional connection with the consumer, and taking advantage of that can help your display stand out from the competition.
5. Create a “selfie” situation
Does your product have a cute, beloved mascot as part of its advertising? Perhaps you’ve earned the endorsement of celebrities. Have you considered creating a life-sized cardboard cutout to accompany your POP display?
Many customers find it hard to resist getting a selfie with their favorite athlete or celebrity, even if it’s just a cardboard cutout. Even better, they’re more likely to share the photo on their social media pages, providing even more publicity.
With POP Floor Displays, There’s Always More Than Meets the Eye
POP retail displays are about more than housing a product – they are about engaging with the customer on a creative, emotional level that causes them to stop and consider your product. Remember, the vast majority of consumers make a large percentage of impulse buys; they may only be going to the store for milk, but when they arrive, but before they leave they have a full shopping cart. Unusual and creative floor displays will help ensure your products are in their cart!
If you’d like more information, we have the creative minds and engineering expertise needed to take your displays to the next level. Contact us – we would love to speak with you about your project.
Key Takeaways:
Display Assembly:
- Assembling a POP display doesn’t have to be difficult or frustrating with the right approach and preparation.
- Always take inventory of all parts and gather necessary tools before beginning assembly.
- Visualizing the finished product helps streamline the assembly process and avoid confusion.
- Displays should be designed with minimal components to make assembly fast and simple.
- Using spring buttons and holes can eliminate the need for extra tools and reduce setup time.
- Pre-assembled displays are a convenient option and can be shipped directly to reps, warehouses, or stores.
- McIntyre provides clear, photo-based instructions, minimizes components, and limits required tools.
- A checklist is included to ensure all parts are accounted for before starting assembly.
- Efficient design and packing help reduce freight costs without compromising quality.
- McIntyre is committed to delivering displays exactly as imagined—safely, accurately, and on time.
- Their design expertise, service, and extensive portfolio reflect a long-standing dedication to quality and client success.
Displays for Small Spaces:
- Lighter colors and neutral tones can make small spaces appear larger and more inviting.
- Keep messaging concise and readable to ensure it’s effective in limited space.
- Wall-mounted options like shelving, slat walls, and grid displays are ideal for maximizing vertical space.
- Proper lighting draws attention and enhances product visibility in compact areas.
Spinning displays allow for efficient product organization and encourage customer interaction. - Think vertically with ceiling mounts, tall displays, and nesting tables to expand functionality.
- McIntyre Manufacturing specializes in creative solutions that make the most of any retail footprint.
- You don’t need a big space to make a big impact—just the right design partner.
Creative Display Ideas:
- Creative POP floor displays help products stand out in a crowded retail environment.
Corrugated cardboard can be used to build artistic and eye-catching display sculptures. - Scene-based displays immerse customers by showing products in a real-life context.
- Unique shapes draw attention by breaking away from typical display formats.
- Texture adds a sensory element that can emotionally connect with consumers.
- Selfie-worthy displays with mascots or celebrities increase engagement and social sharing.
- Effective floor displays do more than showcase products—they spark emotion and impulse buys.
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Sources:
Daily Mail, “How SANDPAPER can make you more generous: The feeling of rough surfaces boosts empathy and charitableness,” http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-3514209/How-SANDPAPER-make-generous-feeling-rough-surfaces-boosts-empathy-donations-charity.html
Shopify, “19 Popular Retail Product Displays for Your Store,” https://www.shopify.com/retail/retail-product-displays

