Plastic Display or Metal Display Which Stands Out in Retail

If you want your products to get noticed in stores, a plastic display often gives you the best mix of price, flexibility, and a modern look. Retail experts say cost, strength, looks, custom options, and care are the most important things. Plastic displays now make up about 25% of the point-of-sale display market and are growing quickly because they are simple to move, shape, and clean. Companies like WOW Display use strong plastics to help you make displays that grab attention, increase sales, and match your brand.

Key Takeaways

Plastic displays cost less, are light, and offer many shapes and colors to match your brand.

Metal displays are stronger and better for heavy products or long-term use in stores.

Plastic displays are easy to clean, quick to make, and great for changing sales setups.

Metal displays need more care but last long and give a modern, sturdy look.

Choose displays based on your product weight, store layout, budget, and brand image to boost sales and customer experience.

Plastic Display vs Metal Display

Cost

When you compare prices, plastic displays cost less than metal ones. Metal displays are used for setups that stay in one place. This means you pay more at first and for fixing them later. If you want to save money but still have a nice display, plastic is a good choice. It gives you both good price and quality. WOW Display has helped brands for over 15 years. They give you strong, low-cost plastic displays that look great and do not cost too much.

Durability

Durability is important when many people touch your display every day. Plastic displays made from polycarbonate or acrylic can take hits and drops. They do not crack or chip easily, so you do not worry about quick damage. Metal displays, like stainless steel or aluminum, are even stronger. They do not rust, so they are good for tough or outdoor places. But good plastic displays also handle cleaning and heat changes well. They last a long time in most stores.

Plastic Display or Metal Display Which Stands Out in Retail


Appearance

Feature

Plastic Displays

Metal Displays

Material Types

Acrylic, styrene, PVC, ABS, PETG

Wire, tubing, sheet metal

Visual Appearance

Smooth, curvy shapes; clear or colored; sleek and modern

Rigid, structural shapes; industrial look; solid and often powder coated or plated

Color Options

Many choices, including clear and bright colors

Usually solid finishes, but can be powder coated

Shape Flexibility

Easily bent into creative shapes

Mostly straight or structural forms

Common Uses

Counter displays, makeup stands, headers

Shelves, frames, price channels

Extra Features

High-end look with acrylic, custom printing

Laser-etched logos, strong finishes

Plastic displays let you make smooth and colorful designs. You can pick clear or bright colors to match your brand. Metal displays look strong and classic. They are good for brands that want a tough image. Both types help your products get noticed. But plastic displays give you more choices for shapes and colors.

Customization

You want your display to fit your brand and products. Plastic displays make this simple. You can choose the size, shape, and color you want. You can print your logo or pictures right on the display. WOW Display has many options, like floor stands and spinning racks, made just for you. Metal displays can also be changed, like with laser logos or different shelves. But plastic displays are lighter and easier to put together. They often come ready to use, so you save time.

Tip: If you need a display fast for a new sale, plastic displays are made quicker than metal ones. You can get your custom display in stores sooner.

Maintenance

It is important to keep your display clean and nice. Plastic displays are easy to wash with soap and water. You do not need special cleaners. You can fix small scratches by polishing. Plastic does not rust, so you spend less on repairs. Metal displays need more care to stop rust, especially if they get wet. They may need checks and fixes to look good. Picking a plastic display can help you spend less on care and keep your store looking new.

Retail Scenario

When to Use Plastic Display

Plastic displays are used in many busy stores. Grocery stores put plastic displays near cold aisles for things like pickles. These displays help shoppers see products and grab them fast. Convenience stores use small plastic displays on counters. These displays have bright pictures to make people buy snacks or whiskey glasses. Cosmetics shops use acrylic panels with UV printing. These panels look bright and shiny. They help show off new makeup and boost sales.

Sports stores use plastic displays with special images for new gear. These displays are in busy spots because they do not scratch or break easily. Outdoor signs and racks made from strong plastics work for short sales or long-term ads. WOW Display has made plastic displays for brands like Coca-Cola, Disney, and Nivea. Their displays last long, are easy to clean, and come in many designs. This makes them a good pick for many stores.

Note: Plastic displays are best if you change your setup a lot or want a special look for sales.

When to Use Metal Display

Metal displays are good for stores that need strong shelves. You see them in hardware stores, home centers, and pet shops. These stores use metal racks to hold tools, pet food, or sports gear. Clothing and electronics stores also use metal displays. They like the strong frames and modern look.

Metal displays are found in stores like Cost Plus World Market, Williams Sonoma, and Peet’s Coffee & Tea.

They hold heavy things like kitchenware, books, and electronics.

Beverage shops use metal racks for beer, wine, and spirits.

Sports stores use metal shelves for equipment and gear.

Store managers trust metal displays because they are strong and look nice. You should use metal displays if you need shelves that last and hold heavy things.

Pros and Cons

Plastic Display Pros and Cons

Plastic displays give your store many good things. Here are some main ideas:

You can use plastic displays again and again. This saves you money and helps the planet if you use them right.

Making plastic displays uses less water and makes less pollution than making paper displays. For example, making 1,500 plastic bags uses only 58 gallons of water. Making 1,000 paper bags uses over 1,000 gallons.

Plastic displays are light and easy to move. You can put them in many places.

Many companies recycle plastic when they make displays. This helps cut down on waste.

If you want a special look, plastic displays come in many shapes, sizes, and colors.

But there are some problems too:

Most plastics are made from oil and gas, which do not grow back.

If people do not throw away plastic the right way, it can pile up in landfills and hurt animals.

Plastic takes a very long time to break down. Cardboard and paper break down much faster.

Note: How plastic displays affect the earth depends on how many times you use them and how you throw them away.

Metal Display Pros and Cons

You can look at this table to compare metal displays:

Advantages

Disadvantages

Very strong and lasts a long time. Good for heavy things like tools.

Metal displays can cost a lot, depending on the metal used.

Metal displays look modern and simple. They fit many store styles.

Making special shapes needs special tools, which costs more.

Metal does not rust easily if treated. It lasts in many places.

Metal displays are heavy, so moving and shipping is harder.

Metal displays stay nice for a long time, even if you use them a lot. You need to clean them with the right cleaners. You should check for rust or damage often. Taking care of metal displays helps them stay strong and look good for years.

Choosing the Right Display

Key Factors

When you pick a display for your store, think about what your products and customers need. Here are some important things to remember:

Product Weight and Size: Heavy items need strong displays, like metal or thick plastic. Lighter things can go on plastic display stands or corrugate racks.

Store Layout: Put displays where shoppers can see and reach them. Front end caps and shelf displays help sell more. The table below shows how each display type affects shopping:

Display Type

Category Purchase Impact

Brand Choice Impact

Notes

Front End Cap

Largest

Moderate

Great for increasing sales

Shelf Display

Moderate

Largest

Helps shoppers pick your brand

Store Front

Positive

N/A

Good for impulse buys

 

Customer Experience: Easy-to-use displays let shoppers touch and try products. This makes people stay longer and buy more. Interactive displays help customers learn and feel good about buying.

Budget and Lifespan: Think about how long you will use the display. For short sales, corrugate or plastic displays cost less. For long use, metal or wood is better.

Brand Image: Pick materials and colors that match your brand. Acrylic and plastic displays look modern. Wood gives a warm and classic feel.

Picking the right display makes shopping easier and more fun. This helps you sell more and makes customers happy.

Tips

You can make better choices for your store by using these tips:

Use strong materials for displays, like Q235 steel or good plastics.

Pick finishes that protect and look nice, like powder coating or chrome plating.

Choose eco-friendly options, like recyclable plastics or FSC-certified wood.

Work with display makers who offer custom designs, fast work, and good advice. Companies like WOW Display help you get displays that fit your brand and store.

Plan where to put displays. Spread them out in your store, not all in one place. This helps more shoppers see your products and can raise your sales by over 11%.

Ask for CAD drawings or design previews before you order. This lets you see how your display will look and work.

Use displays that are easy to clean and keep up. This keeps your store looking fresh and nice.

Working with skilled display makers gives you new designs, better materials, and expert help. This can help your store do well and bring customers back.

Picking plastic or metal displays depends on what your store needs. Look at this table to help you decide:

Feature

Plastic Displays

Metal Displays

Mobility

Light and easy to move

Heavy and stays in place

Cost

Costs less at first

Costs more at first

Customization

Simple and bright designs

Strong and special shapes

Durability

Good for short times

Best for long use

You should pick a display that matches your products and brand. WOW Display can help you make displays that help you sell more and reach your goals.

FAQ

What makes plastic displays a good choice for retail stores?

Plastic displays give you flexibility. You can pick many shapes, colors, and sizes. They are light, easy to move, and simple to clean. You can also get custom designs that match your brand.

Are metal displays better for heavy products?

Yes, you should use metal displays for heavy or bulky items. Metal stands hold more weight and last longer in busy stores. They work well for tools, electronics, and large packaged goods.

How do I keep my display looking new?

You should clean plastic displays with mild soap and water. For metal displays, use a soft cloth and check for rust. Regular cleaning keeps your displays bright and attractive.

Can I recycle my old plastic or metal displays?

Most plastic and metal displays can be recycled. Check local recycling rules. Many display makers use recycled materials, so you help the environment when you recycle.

How fast can I get a custom plastic display?

You can often get a custom plastic display in just a few weeks. Companies like WOW Display offer quick design and production. Fast service helps you launch new products on time.

 

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