Have you ever wondered what makes the difference between an effective custom store display and one that misses the mark? Is it the design? The placement? 

At McIntyre Displays, we know that there is no one simple answer: An effective display involves several important elements that must be seamlessly woven into a dynamic tapestry that showcases your product, engages customers and elevates your brand.

We bring your brand to life through our customized retail displays that are designed through a truly collaborative process. Our in-house team of talented designers will work closely with you throughout the entire venture, from concept to prototype. We also utilize 2D and 3D visualization tools to ensure that we capture your vision with detailed precision. Let’s build something that not only stands out but also drives results—start your display project with us today.

In this article, we’ll take a look at why a custom store display is so critical to your success, and invite you to re-examine your current display. Is it getting the job done for you or is it time for a refresh? 

But first, we’ll give you an insider’s view of some of the effective design principles we implement to craft dynamic POP displays. We’ll take a look at one of these concepts called the Rule of Three.

The Importance of the Rule of 3 for Your Custom Store Displays

What do Leonardo Da Vinci and a well-designed POP display have in common?  They both recognize the importance of the “rule of 3,” also known as the rule of thirds. This is a key point of good design, and implementing it into your project will enable you to maximize the impact of custom store displays from seasoned display manufacturers like McIntyre Manufacturing.  

But what is this rule of three, and why should you care? We’ll evaluate point-by-point how simple design elements can enhance your bottom line. 

The Right Sign = A Good Bottom Line

The right signage is a part of this rule, and research studies confirm that effective signage affects your bottom line. 

According to a Brigham Young University study, displays with signage outsold those without signs by 20 percent. But perhaps even more surprising was that merchandise that was not on sale outperformed clearance items by 18 percent when signage was a part of the POP display. 

Scientifically, human beings are drawn to symmetrical, orderly objects and our eyes tend to linger on them for longer than they do on asymmetrical objects.  The rule of three draws upon these principles to create a design that is created with perfect balance in mind.

What is the Rule of Three?

Notice in the picture of the hot air balloons at the top of this article that the action and composition seem to be centered so you could image lines dividing it into nine squares. 

Think of it this way: When you want someone to notice something, you generally point to it. The principles in the rule of three work the same way: Your design is “pointing” to something you want your customer to notice. 

You’ll see this a lot in landscape photography, but it’s a key element in keeping your POP display interesting and provides a stronger impact on their work. 

We invite you to take a closer look at our portfolio to see how this rule neatly applies to our extensive designs. 

The Rule of Three Is Only One Tool We Use

Of course, there’s much more to good design than the rule of three. We look at several other elements in design as well. These include:

• Hierarchy of items– We make sure that important elements are bolder and at key focal points. This is particularly important as it relates to the font size.
• Balance – As mentioned earlier, the human eye is drawn toward symmetry. Awkward angles may be interesting to get a brief flash of curiosity, but studies indicate that the eyes tend to linger longer on symmetrical items. 
• Complementary images – Make sure all images look cohesive and as if they were a part of the same photoshoot.

Display Manufacturers Are About Much More Than Great Graphic Design

Don’t misunderstand: Design is important. Statistics clearly show the importance of how it can result in more sales and stronger brand recognition. We’ve even won awards for the execution of great designs for custom retail displays.

But there’s also the nuts and bolts of the product. How will it be shipped? What material should be used? Will it need to be assembled?

We have a comprehensive plan for you and your project, whether you have a clear, detailed vision or just some ideas you’ve sketched on a Post-It note, see why, as great display manufacturers, we have so many loyal customers. Contact us for information on how to get started.

Now that we’ve given you a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into creating your unique display, let’s examine some examples of when you should contact us for a refresh—particularly if you’re starting a new year and new marketing initiative. 

Out With the Old: Why You May Need a New Customizable Display Annually

In addition to personal resolutions, businesses take time at the end of the year to evaluate their bottom line, identify key areas for growth, and integrate this information into developing marketing strategies for the upcoming year.

When you’re setting your business goals for next year, don’t forget to budget for a new customizable display. We’ve seen firsthand the incredible difference a quality, customized display makes and how it enhances the bottom line.

Throughout the years, we’ve discovered there are five main reasons our clients need a new customizable display.

 10 Reasons You May Need a New Display This Year

1. Your current display doesn’t adequately address your business’s unique value proposition.

If you’re using a “one-size-fits-all” template for your current display, your first step should be to start from scratch with something that will be uniquely yours and save money in the long run.

Our creative, talented POP design team can work with you to make a POP display perfectly suited for your needs, that keeps your brand’s unique value proposition at the forefront.

2. There’s been a change in company focus or brand messaging.

If your organization has a different focus, this should be reflected in your display. Whether the change is in product design, messaging, or even a logo, sending a clear message is important.

Take the time this year to work on a new POP display design that will reflect the changes in your brand.

3. Your current POP display has seen better days.

While this seems like an obvious element, sometimes businesses aren’t aware that their displays may be showing their age as wear-and-tear builds up throughout the years. Perhaps your old display doesn’t look as good as you think it does. 

Even the slightest sign of wear and tear can have a negative effect on your brand. If you plan to use your display for several upcoming trade shows or to rollout/promote your product in a new location, this may be the best time to invest in something that will last longer.

We suggest replacing your permanent retail displays every 3 to 5 years or so. Sooner if they are showing obvious signs of damage. 

At McIntyre Displays, we will help you consider the best materials to use when creating your display to ensure that it will last through the test of time.

4. You are supplying items or attending trade shows that require a more lightweight, easier-to-assemble display.

Resolve to make carrying your old, clunky display a thing of the past.

Our engineers are experts at customizing displays that are configured to match specific spaces and are highly portable. We always supply detailed, easy-to-follow instructions on assembly.

5. Your logo has been revised or updated.

One of the key aspects of effective branding is that you want to send a consistent message across all facets of your business. Even a slight update or shift in your trademark color needs to be addressed accurately and as soon as possible.

Remember, as far as logos are concerned, what was trendy 10 years ago has likely evolved dramatically. (Need proof? Just check out this example of how the Microsoft logo has evolved. )

It’s important to make sure your latest logo projects the image you want of your company. If your company has shifted focus, merged with another one, or even streamlined the products it offers, it’s important to take another look at your logo—and make sure all your permanent retail displays reflect the updates you make when you refresh them. 

When you get that logo refreshed (or maybe even redesigned), you can rest assured that our powder coating services ensure that we can match any Pantone color exactly.

6. Your display follows outdated design trends

Remember: At one time, neon pink blazed across black and white squares was deemed fashionable. Likewise, graphic design changes and develops through the years. Make sure your graphics don’t become lackluster or, even worse, scream “outdated” to your customers. 

7. It’s not generating results

The bottom line? You can have the most outstanding design in the world, but if it’s not producing the traffic and return on investment you need, then it’s just taking up space. Be sure to take a careful inventory of how well your permanent retail displays are performing and discuss the results with us. We’ll be glad to help.

8. Your display is too generic.

Does your display look like a template where the viewer can just imagine an “insert logo here” instruction? You want to be sure that your permanent retail displays are customized so they can maximize your branding message. 

We invite you to check out some previous, in-depth articles we’ve written that go into greater detail about these benefits, such as this one on customized display benefits of branding, and this one on why unique custom displays should always be a line item in your budget. 

9. Your display is not taking full advantage of up-selling and cross selling opportunities

Whenever someone asks you to “supersize” a meal or if you want the latest matching iPhone case, you’ve been the target of up-selling and cross selling. 

Up-selling is when you want a customer to buy an item that is somewhat better than the one they are considering. For example, you may encourage them to purchase a computer that has more memory or a monitor with a higher resolution.

Cross selling occurs when you want someone to buy an item that complements their purchase, such as buying a helmet and bike lock in addition to purchasing a bike. 

If your permanent retail displays are not demonstrating that there are more facets to your products, you’re missing out on profitable opportunities. (Learn more about up-selling and cross selling here.)

10. Your display is too distracting

On many occasions, less is more. 

Styles change, and over the years, a minimalist approach has been shown to be extremely effective with POP displays. By keeping the design clean and streamlined, you’re able to shift the focus of your customer to your product. 

McIntyre Displays Supplies the Tools You Need to Succeed All Year

Beautiful displays are not uncommon. What makes our displays unique is our combination of functionality and innovation. Our engineers are also artists, searching for the ways to help your business or product make the best possible impression. This enables us to create fantastic POP displays that deliver results.

Contact us to see our capabilities and uncompromised dedication to customer service for yourself.

So you’ve evaluated the list above and you’ve discovered that it is time to give your tired, dated display an overhaul, implementing time-tested graphic design techniques to guide you toward success. 

If you’re planning to replace one of these permanent retail displays, we’ve got some important, useful information you’ll need.

Planning to Replace a Permanent Retail Display? Don’t Forget These 3 Important Steps

In the ever-evolving world of retail, staying ahead of the competition and captivating customers’ attention is essential for driving sales and building brand loyalty. A key element in this pursuit is a customized, permanent retail display. 

These displays are powerful tools that can:

• Showcase products 
• Communicate brand messages
• Create a memorable shopping experience
• Help make sales
• Keep your items safe with a secure display

However, as consumer preferences shift and business needs evolve, there comes a time when replacing a permanent retail display becomes a strategic imperative.

In this section of our blog, we will explore the critical steps that should not be overlooked when undertaking the task of replacing a permanent customized retail display. By following these steps, you can ensure that the new display maximizes its potential and effectively meets your business objectives. 

Whether you’re a small boutique or a large-scale department store, these steps will provide you with a solid foundation to make informed decisions and embark on a successful retail display transformation.

3 Important Steps When Planning to Replace a Permanent Display

1. Assess the Current Display and Gather Data

Before replacing a permanent display, it’s crucial to assess the existing display and gather relevant data. This step helps you understand the strengths and weaknesses of the current display and identify areas for improvement. 

Some of the important factors to consider are: 

• Permanent display effectiveness in attracting customer attention
• How well it promotes products
• Data from customer feedback.
• Sales performance
• Previous modifications (and their effectiveness) 

2. Set Clear Objectives and Define Target Audience

Clearly define your objectives for the new display and identify your target audience. Determine what specific goals you want to achieve with the replacement display, such as:

• Increasing product visibility
• Enhancing brand awareness
• Improving the customer experience

By understanding your target audience, including their preferences, demographics, and shopping behaviors, you can tailor the design and messaging of the new display to effectively engage and resonate with them. 

Setting clear objectives and defining your target audience will guide the design process and ensure the new display aligns with your overall marketing strategy.

3. Collaborate with Professionals and Optimize Design

Collaborating with professionals experienced in retail display design is essential for creating an effective customized display. At McIntyre Displays, we offer more than just creative designers: We have a place where you can have everything completed under one roof. 

We can take your permanent display idea from conception, to design, to finished product. But it doesn’t stop there. We can assist with warehousing and distribution. This eliminates the headache of dealing with multiple vendors, and you don’t have to worry if your permanent display will arrive damaged. 

We work closely with you to optimize the design of the new display based on the gathered data, objectives, and target audience. We consider all elements such as:

• Layout
• Lighting
• Materials
• Branding 
• Signage
• Visual appeal
• Security
• Product Placement

Effective collaboration and design optimization will result in a customized retail display that maximizes impact and achieves your desired objectives.

For Permanent Displays, Let McIntyre Handle the Entire Process: From Concept to Completion

Remember, these are three crucial steps to consider when replacing a permanent retail display, but there may be other factors specific to your business or industry that should be taken into account. We can work with you to ensure all angles are covered. We’ll customize your approach based on your unique circumstances and requirements.

Best of all, we’ll handle it all. You don’t need to worry about dealing with multiple companies and juggle deadlines from several vendors. When you work with McIntyre Displays, you can rest assured your permanent display will be completed on time, within budget and arrive without damage. 

Ready to elevate your retail space with captivating custom-designed merchandising displays? Discover the power of tailored solutions that will transform your store and captivate your customers.  Contact us today.

McIntyre Manufacturing Is Dedicated to Crafting Your Customized Retail Displays

It’s not enough to have a quality display. You need a display that gets the job done. This means you may need to take a look at your current customized POP display to be sure it’s providing the best ROI, drawing customer traffic, and taking advantage of all opportunities. 

Remember: If your display is worn or outdated, this creates a negative impression of your company.  Maybe it’s time to let our creative engineers and designers craft a fresh look that reinforces your brand messaging.