Pallet displays: types, uses and how to choose the right one

Pallet displays are the largest and most eye-catching promotional displays in a shop. They stand on a pallet or are designed as a free-standing island, hold large quantities of goods and can be seen from the other end of the store. That makes them the first choice for seasonal promotions, holidays and major product launches.

In this article we explain what pallet displays are, which types exist, which products they suit and how to choose the right solution for your promotion. Examples of pallet displays we have made for our clients can be found on the Pallet displays page.

What are pallet displays?

A pallet display is a promotional display that stands on a pallet or has the footprint of one. A printed skirt hides the pallet, and above the goods there is often a header with the logo and the promotional message. The terms pallet units, pallet islands and display pallets are also used.

They differ from floor displays in size and in the quantity of goods they hold. A floor display stands on its own and takes up little space, whereas a pallet display holds far more products, is often accessible from several sides and draws shoppers to the product from a distance.

Why choose a pallet display?

• Maximum visibility. A pallet display can be seen from the other end of the store and stands out clearly from the regular shelves and from competitors.
• Lots of stock in one place. Because it holds large quantities, it needs restocking less often, which matters for high-volume promotions.
• Access from several sides. Shoppers walk around a pallet island and take products from every side.
• Room for the whole range. One pallet can present several flavours, sizes or related products together.
• A large graphic surface. The skirt, side panels and header provide space for a promotional message that is visible from every direction.

Where to place a pallet display

Pallet displays need space, so retailers mainly place them:

• at the entrance and in the main aisle,
• at the ends of aisles,
• in dedicated promotional areas,
• in the department where the product is normally on the shelf,
• in larger supermarkets, hypermarkets and discount stores.

The position and size of a pallet display are almost always set by the retailer or chain, so it is worth agreeing on them before production.

Types of pallet displays

By size

• Full pallet – a pallet display on a standard Euro pallet (1200 × 800 mm) for the biggest promotions.
• Half pallet (800 × 600 mm) – for smaller stores and narrower aisles.
• Quarter pallet (600 × 400 mm) – a compact solution that retailers can more easily place near the checkout or at the end of an aisle.

By design

• Pallet island with a skirt – the goods are stacked on the pallet, and a printed skirt hides the pallet and carries the graphics.
• Pallet with shelves or trays – products are arranged on several levels so that each one is clearly visible and within reach.
• Pallet with a header – a raised graphic element above the goods that can be seen over the store shelves.
• Special-shaped pallet displays – for example in the shape of a vehicle, a rocket or a product. We also show such solutions among our impressive displays.

If a smaller quantity of goods is enough for your promotion, a dump bin or shipper may be the better choice.

For smaller products at the checkout, counter displays are more suitable, and for smaller quantities on several shelves, shelf displays.

Which products are pallet displays suitable for?

Pallet displays work best for products that sell in large quantities during a promotion:

• confectionery and chocolate, especially before holidays and in seasonal promotions,
• beverages,
• pet food,
• food products, such as honey and preserved food,
• household and personal care products.

They are also used for toys, delicatessen and other products where a brand wants to show its whole range in one place in the store. Among others, we have made pallet displays for brands such as Storck, Merci, Toffifee, Gorenjka, Pedigree, Whiskas, Coca-Cola, Fanta, Fructal and Podravka.

Seasonal and holiday promotions

A pallet display is a natural choice for Easter and Christmas promotions, when confectionery and gifts sell in large quantities. The graphics are adapted to the holiday while the proven construction stays the same.

What are pallet displays made of?

Most pallet displays are made of cardboard. The pallet carries the weight of the goods, while cardboard forms the skirt, shelves and header. It is light, cost-effective and can be printed over its entire surface, and after the promotion it is removed and recycled.

For permanent pallet solutions, more durable materials such as plastic, metal or wood are also suitable. We compare the advantages and limitations of each material in our Guide to promotional displays.

Load capacity and stability

A pallet display carries a lot of stock and has to cope with busy stores. Its stability depends on:

• Weight and distribution of the goods. Heavier products belong on the lower levels, lighter and more attractive ones higher up, at eye level.
• Construction of shelves and trays. On multi-level pallets, the shelves must carry the weight of the goods above them.
• Transport. If the pallet display arrives at the store already filled, the construction must withstand transport, forklifts and unloading.
• In-store traffic. The skirt and corners are exposed to shopping trolleys, so they need to be sturdy enough.

That is why we always plan load capacity and construction for the specific product and delivery method.

Graphics on a pallet display

Shoppers see a pallet display from every side and from a long distance. A few principles:

• The header is visible over the shelves, so the logo and the main message belong there.
• Every side of the skirt should carry the message, as shoppers approach the pallet from different directions.
• One clear message: a promotion, a new product, a holiday or the product’s key benefit.
• Shelf and tray edges are suitable for flavours, variants and the promotional price.
• Consistency with your corporate identity, so that the pallet is instantly recognisable as part of your brand.

We describe how we prepare artwork and how printing works in our article on display printing.

How to choose the right pallet display

• How much stock must it hold? The quantity and weight of the products determine the pallet size and the number of levels.
• What dimensions does the retailer allow? Retail chains often specify exact dimensions and positions for pallet displays.
• Will the pallet be accessible from one side or several? This affects the construction and the layout of the graphics.
• How long will the promotion last? For a seasonal promotion, cardboard is usually the best choice.
• How will the pallet reach the store? Empty, to be filled on site, or already filled with goods.
• What should the shopper learn? The graphics depend on the message.

How a pallet display is made

1. Enquiry. You describe the product, quantity of goods, points of sale, target date and your idea, if you already have one.
2. Design and construction. We develop a construction that carries the weight of the goods and presents the products attractively.
3. Graphic design. We align the graphics with your brand.
4. Printing and cutting. We print and cut the parts, including unusual shapes.
5. Delivery, installation and stocking. On request, we take care of delivery, installation at the points of sale and filling with goods.

Frequently asked questions about pallet displays

Conclusion

A pallet display puts your product at the centre of the store and gives it space it would never get on the shelf. The right size, a stable construction and graphics that work from every side are what turn a pallet of goods into a promotion shoppers notice.

Take a look at examples of our pallet displays or send us an enquiry and together we will design a pallet display for your product.