Our Sidekick Displays Are Perfect for Showcasing These Products
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If you’re not capitalizing on impulse buys, you’re leaving money on the table.
While there was a slight dip in impulse buys in 2022, more recent data indicates Americans still spend roughly $281 a month (an estimated $3,381 a year) on impulse purchases, according to information from Inc.
When you’re pursuing this demographic, an effective sidekick display is the key to making it happen.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at sidekick displays, what they are, and what products are a perfect match for them.
At McIntyre Displays, we realize that you have only seconds to make a good impression, and putting your best foot forward is critical for turning shoppers into customers. You need displays that are durable, dependable, and reflect the values of your brand. You can rest assured that our in-house design team has the creative power and engineering know-how to create the perfect display for your needs. With reliable delivery and a dedication to quality, we’ll make the entire process as stress-free as possible. We’d love to hear more about your project.
What Is a Sidekick Display?
Sidekick displays hang off the side of product displays. They may also be connected to a main store shelf. If you’re fortunate enough to capture the “prime real estate” at the end of an aisle, these sidekick displays have even more influence and are a great extension to capture attention and the coveted impulse purchase.
You may have also heard these lightweight displays referred to as “power wing displays,” “wing displays” or “aisle violators.”
What Products Can Be Displayed in Sidekick Displays?
Compact and lightweight objects are ideal. Think of smaller items that you use every day such as:
- Batteries
- Toothbrushes (and other hygiene items)
- Beauty items, like lip gloss
- Travel-size toiletries
- Snacks such as small bags of chips
- Gum
- Small electronics (phone chargers, USB cords, ear buds)
- Hand sanitizers
- Air fresheners
- Small toys
Sidekick displays for holiday items are also very effective, especially when they complement what is already on the shelf for an effective cross-sell. For example, you may have a shelf of Christmas ornaments with a sidekick display of ornament hangers.
Because they typically hang off of other displays or shelves, these displays are not ideal for heavier products. It takes effective engineering. If you need sidekick display stands for heavier items, just talk to our award-winning team of designers. We’ll help you find a solution.
What Are the Benefits of Sidekick Displays?
There are multiple benefits of sidekick displays. We’ll list a few of them.
They Maximize Space
The vertical, aisle-facing space is often ignored, when this is actually valued territory. Using a sidekick display for vertical space means you don’t have to add new fixtures or invest in an additional display to showcase your product.
They Drive Impulse Purchases
We mentioned this earlier, but it’s worth repeating. When you place your item in an area of high visibility, you are guiding potential customers toward your product along their natural walking path. This can dramatically enhance your chances of making a sale.
They Provide Brand Differentiation
Bright brand colors and effective messaging, coupled with quality product imagery, can actually transform these small displays into miniature billboards. Because they are at the customer’s eye/hand level, they can break through the clutter of a crowded aisle.
They’re Cost-Effective
Sidekick display shipping is much more inexpensive than shipping large, stand-alone displays. This is one element that can be easily “switched out” for temporary sale or holiday campaigns.
They Help Ensure Retail Compliance
Simple and easy to install, you won’t have to worry about whether or not your display is assembled correctly.
What’s the Difference Between a Sidekick Display and an Endcap Display?
We’ve provided this useful table to summarize the differences:
Sidekick Display | Endcap Display | |
Location | Attached to the side of a display– may even hang into an aisle. | At the end of an aisle. |
Size | Small and narrow | Large |
Cost | Lower because it uses less material | Higher because it is located in premium retail “real estate” |
Visibility | Good because it rests at hand/eye level | Excellent because it is seen from multiple directions |
Best for | Impulse items, small packs, single SKUs | New Launches, larger items, seasonal promotions or sales |
Let McIntyre Help You Get the Most Out of Your Display
Sidekick displays are effective, but do you know how to get the most out of them? From overcrowding to confusing pricing, the wrong move can sink the effectiveness of these displays.
When you work with McIntyre Displays, we have the best team to help you overcome these hurdles so you can concentrate on your product launch and not the finer points of display design. As a one-stop shop, we eliminate the possibility of multiple points of failure. Streamlined communication means you’ll always stay in the loop.
We’d love to talk to you about your latest project. Ready to get started?
Key Takeaways
- Impulse purchases are a significant revenue opportunity, with Americans spending roughly $281/month on unplanned buys.
- Sidekick displays attach to the side of shelves or existing displays and are especially powerful at the end of aisles.
- They work best for small, lightweight, everyday items like snacks, batteries, beauty products, and small electronics.
- Sidekick displays maximize vertical aisle space without requiring additional fixtures or major investment.
- Their eye- and hand-level placement makes them effective mini-billboards for brand differentiation.
- They are more cost-effective to produce and ship than larger, standalone displays.
- Compared to endcap displays, sidekicks are smaller and lower-cost but still deliver strong visibility for impulse and single-SKU products.
- Holiday and cross-sell applications (e.g., ornaments + ornament hangers) are a particularly smart use of sidekick displays.
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Sources:
Katz, Elie, “Small Store, Big Sales: How to Maximize Impulse Purchases,” Inc. https://www.inc.com/elie-katz/small-store-big-sales-how-to-maximize-impulse-purchases/91171870
