In today’s competitive retail environment, your retail displays do far more than hold product — they influence shopper behavior, communicate brand value, and directly impact sales. From eye-catching endcaps to immersive brand storytelling fixtures, smart display design can be the difference between being noticed or overlooked by shoppers. Have you ever seen a floor display or tray collapsing in a big-box store? Brands competing for valuable retail space need packaging that does more than look good — it must be engineered to support product weight and withstand the demands of in-store execution.

As brands plan out their in store activation initiatives, retailers are investing in custom, flexible, and high-impact retail displays that drive engagement while remaining cost-effective and sustainable. Below, we break down why display design matters and how to create in-store displays that convert.

Why Retail Displays Matter More Than Ever

Studies show that 82% of buying decisions happen when shoppers are in store. According to Nielsen research there is “less than a 20 second window” for shoppers to decide to buy your product or not.  A well-designed display:

• Grabs attention in crowded aisles

• Communicates value in seconds

• Encourages impulse purchases

• Reinforces brand identity

• Simplifies the shopping experience

Retail displays are no longer just fixtures — they are silent salespeople that communicate not only your brand, but why shoppers should care about the products you are promoting.

Top Retail Display Trends We Are Seeing

1. MODULAR AND RECONFIGURABLE DISPLAYS

Brands want displays that can evolve with changing SKUs, seasons, and promotions. Modular corrugated displays allow retailers to:

• Swap shelves, hooks, or headers

• Reconfigure layouts

• Extend display lifespan

This flexibility lowers long-term costs while keeping displays fresh.

2. HIGH GRAPHIC, PHOTO QUALITY PRINTING

Digital print technology allows retail displays to feature:

• Vibrant color

• Photo-quality imagery

• Short-run customization

• Rapid design updates

High-impact graphics allow shoppers to quickly gather insights on your brand from a distance in busy retail environments.

3. SUSTAINABLE DISPLAY MATERIALS

Retailers and consumers increasingly expect sustainable solutions. Corrugated displays made from recycled paperboard and responsibly sourced materials support sustainability goals without sacrificing strength or aesthetics.

4. MULTI FUNCTION DISPLAYS

Retailers favor displays that combine:

• Shelving + pegs

• Storage + presentation

• Floor display + shipper

Multi-function designs maximize efficiency for shoppers and in store teams and reduces masted materials and time.

Best Practices for High-Performing Retail Displays

Keep the Message Simple

Shoppers should understand what you’re selling and why it matters within 3 seconds.

Prioritize Eye-Level Placement

Hero products should sit between waist and eye level whenever possible.

Use Strong Visual Hierarchy

• Large headline

• Clear product image

• Supporting benefits

Design for Easy Replenishment

Displays that are hard to restock fail quickly. You need to not only understand the retailer’s specific sizing requirements, but also how your product will be shipped and stocked in store. Retail environments are tough — displays must hold up to handling, shipping, and stocking.

Common Retail Display Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcrowding products

• Not educating in store teams on how your display needs to be presented in store

• Cluttered messaging and designs

• Using flimsy materials that break down in busy retail environments

Why Corrugated Displays Continue to Win

• Lightweight shipping

• Cost efficiency

• Structural strength

• Sustainability

• Custom shapes and sizes

• Excellent print quality

They’re ideal for brands launching new products, running promotions, or expanding retail presence.

Partner With DeLine Box for Custom Retail Displays

At DeLine Box, we design and manufacture custom corrugated retail displays that combine structural performance with bold graphics — from power wings and shelf trays to pallet displays and immersive brand structures.

Whether you’re launching a new SKU or refreshing an existing program, our team helps bring your retail vision to life with:

• Structural design

• Prototyping

• High-graphic digital print

• Scalable manufacturing