Use Customer Personas To Create Targeted POS Displays

1. Bargain hunters

The bargain hunter is always on the lookout for the best deal and has very little brand loyalty. You can't rely on them to buy from you regularly, as they will go where they think has the best value for money. They're likely to wait for seasonal peaks, such as Black Friday, in order to secure the best price.

2. Impulsive buyers

The impulsive buyer loves bundled, low value products and often makes snap decisions to buy in store. Marketing for impulse purchases works well for younger, ‘opportunistic’ consumers as they're more likely to consider new brands compared to older customers [1].

3. Comparison experts

This type of shopper will have done their research before going to the shops, or will be looking for a lot of product information in store in order to make an informed decision. Comparison experts are not often persuaded by aspirational images, and instead focus on price and functionality.

4. Social shoppers

Social shoppers are typically those who like to spend time doing a bit of ‘retail therapy’. They are not necessarily looking to make a big purchase each time they shop. This type of shopper is usually very active on social media and often shares images of products they have bought, helping brand recognition.

5. Brand loyalists

The brand loyalists are shoppers who know exactly what they like. A great example of a brand loyal customer group are Apple customers, where brand loyalty among customers hit 90% in the first quarter of 2018 [2]. This shopper type is attracted to aspirational lifestyle imagery.

6. Organised shoppers

Organised shoppers know exactly what they need from each shop and like to get in and get out quickly! They often come prepared with a list, strict budget and are not easily persuaded by subliminal advertising messages. Think of organised shoppers as the opposite of impulsive buyers.

If you run a luxury boutique clothing store, then you're most likely targeting brand loyalists or social shoppers.

If you run a discount supermarket, then you're more likely to encounter bargain hunters and organised shoppers.

Technology retailers are likely to be selling to comparison experts, while high street chains can target impulsive buyers.

68% of surveyed customers say that digital signage would make them more likely to buy advertised products [3]. Additionally, digital screens caused increases in sales between 16-28% in various stores [4].

Using colourful motion displays will draw social shoppers in-store and attract them to specific product ranges.

Digital displays can also be interactive if you use touchscreens, increasing customer engagement.

Shop digital displays

Aisle displays for bargain hunters and organised shoppers

The end of the aisle is typically where retailers place special offers or promotional products. Bargain hunters will actively seek out signage that indicates its presence. Impulsive buyers are easily persuaded by discount signs and sections in all stores, so it’s a good idea to make sure that your discount aisles are clearly signposted upon entering your store.

Impactful aisle signage is key to convincing organised shoppers to stray off their shopping list and make an unexpected purchase. A study conducted by Mumsnet [6] found that nearly half of mums (49%) write a list when they go supermarket shopping, but 61% of them remain flexible to what they buy.

In food shops, display promotional and discount aisle signs near everyday household items, such as milk and bread, in order to attract organised shoppers.

"We have now become so habituated to expect [discounts] that when US chain CVS started filling end caps with undiscounted products under signs made to look like promotions, sales duly increased." Simeon Scamell-Katz, a leading global consumer analyst [5]

Photographic images are often used to promote high end, luxury items such as perfumes, designer fashion and expensive watches. Typically, they're large images and not focused on a specific product, instead presenting models against stunning backdrops or taking part in an activity. They also only feature a small amount of text, or even just the brand’s name or logo.

This type of poster conveys a feeling to your browsing customers and helps them to recall your brand.

Numerous studies have shown that pictures are more easily recalled or recognised than words [7].

This type of poster is attractive to brand loyalists as it creates aspiration that if they buy this brand’s products, they will also be buying into this glamorous lifestyle, helping to reinforce the reason why they support this brand. Photographic posters also are attractive to social shoppers, as they can entice browsing customers to buy into this lifestyle as well.

Displaying star ratings on your pavement menu signs gives customers an extra boost of confidence about your service quality, persuading impulsive buyers and bargain hunters to step inside.

Social shoppers in particular would be persuaded to go into your bar, café or restaurant if you display a more personal message onto your boards, such as a ‘quote of the day’ or a funny hand drawn image.

This type of pavement sign is also likely to be uploaded to social media, giving your brand a bit of free publicity. Chalkboards have an added bonus of looking homely.

Did you know that 46% of first time customers entered a store because of the signs displayed outside [10]?

Shop pavement signs

Shop counter standing leaflet holders

Shop wall leaflet holders

Shop shelf edge leaflet holders

This type of point of sale display is perfectly suited for retailers specialising in more expensive items in the technology or furniture industries, where there are a lot of specifications for your customers to remember. List product information such as size, colour and price variations, alongside an image of the product itself.

Comparison experts are always looking for extra guarantees on products that add value, such as insurance policies and protective cases.

Informational flyers are a great way to give customers something physical to take away with them to remind them of your business’ competitive offerings, making it more likely that they return.

In store flyers are also used regularly in supermarkets and food stores to allow customers to take away printed recipes.