Modern marketing trends are on the move, forcing retailers to think more strategically about how to enhance shopper experiences. With social media and ecommerce platforms adding a powerful competitive edge, visual merchandising is more important than ever, making your countertop displays pivotal to a successful 2025. To get your refresh right, you need to strike a balance between customer buying incentives, social trends and store layouts that will encourage impulse sales.
Here are some key pointers that will inspire your decisions.
The benefits of great countertop displays
If you’re a merchant, farm shop or deli and are new to the industry, you might be wondering what all the fuss is about. The answer is simple. Countertops provide a prime retail space guaranteed to influence your sales.
Whether you create just one display at your till point or a variety of tantalising offerings placed in strategic places, they’re a must for those serious about making a profit.
In short, they’ll help:
- grab the attention of your shopper.
- organise your space.
- encourage compulsive buys.
- customise your aesthetics without it costing a fortune.
8 Useful stats that will change your trade perspective
We’re dropping the bomb on last year’s approach with these eye-opening truths about consumer behaviour. Use them to your benefit by revolutionising your in-store marketing proposition to inspire more interest from prospective buyers.
52% of shoppers won’t revisit a store if they didn’t find it aesthetically pleasing.
With an emphasis on personalisation, consumers are looking for a full experience, making it imperative that every retail-based interaction is multi-sensory and immersive. Countertop displays play a significant role in the visual impact of your store, guaranteeing a more extensive endorsement from your audience.
We suggest you focus on seasonal themes, cohesive colour palettes and fittings that suit the style of your shop.
81% of people research products and shops online before making a purchase.
Social media is an invaluable way to popularise your offerings Why? Because user-generated content (UGC) spreads like wildfire if it has aesthetic appeal.
In short, we're telling you to make your displays look fabulous, sort out your ticketing and get ready to go viral.
70% of customers prefer to shop in stores that play music they enjoy.
Yes, we know, tastes differ. But on the whole research shows that women prefer golden oldies, R&B and pop whereas men lean towards rock, blues and anything bluegrass.
The easy solution is to assess your target audience, have a bit of fun... and let the DJ in you make some prime choices. What does this have to do with countertops, you ask. Well, it’s all about making sure you offer a full (and sensory) package.
Wine shops that play classical music sell more high-end products.
Our guess is that it increases the perception of quality, affluence and refinement, so we suggest, if you’re a merchant, you include it in your strategy.
To match the sentiment, consider upping your game by hosting regular wine and food pairings, which can be displayed on sustainable wooden platters and boards. Remember to include great signage and personalise your packaging to make your products stand out.
People tend to buy products that are positioned at eye level.
While this makes perfect sense, we are cognizant that 'eye-level' differs depending on the height of the person involved. For the very tall, it’s about 1.8 metres but for those in wheelchairs, it drops down to around 1.15 metres.
The solution? Make sure that your countertop displays are aimed at somewhere in the middle and put your bestsellers front and centre.
It’s also important to note that shoppers generally scan horizontally to find a product category and then vertically to find a specific item, so try that out when planning your new layout.
Pedestals and risers are a fantastic way to add both height and depth to your retail collections and are useful ways to optimise your space. For open food offerings, we recommend that you include cloches to keep everything free from contamination.
93% of small retail outlets will be focusing on sustainability in 2025.
Why? Because 44% of consumers are more likely to shop with businesses who are committed to eco-friendly practices. And that’s a global perspective rather than just in the UK.
This supports the trend that countertop display materials are leaning towards sustainable wood, marble and metal rather than some form of plastic.
83% of millennials expect brands to be aligned with their standards and values.
Very much part and parcel of the demand for personalisation, it’s true to say that brands which successfully convey their beliefs or social and environmental standings are more likely to make emotional connections with their followers.
Incorporate this into how you display your goods and you’re starting to adopt a more holistic approach towards your branding which, in turn, will increase buy-in and appeal.
Local independent retailers maintain 289% more revenue than large chain stores.
This is an excellent reflection of consumer commitment towards provenance and the esteem in which they hold locally sourced products. And, with an indication that small bakeries and delis are on the rise, it all bodes well for those committed to meeting the public’s needs.
Find the finest in countertop display solutions at WBC
We’ve carefully curated a range of countertop display solutions designed to complement the look and feel of your retail space and cater to just about any occasion.
With a sales team that can offer a wealth of advice, help you with branding and make sure you find exactly what you’re looking for, we consider ourselves your partners of choice when it comes to wrapping up your retail needs. Give us a call today or make an appointment to visit our gorgeous London showroom and we’ll walk you through your best options.
