Shelf Talking: Common Terms for Big Box Retail Displays

Every big box retailer has a unique definition of retail display success. Many other terms have different definitions in the world of custom POP displays for mass merchandisers.

Here are 10 terms that can be confusing.

1. PDQ

PDQ is defined as “product displays quickly” or “pretty darn quick,” depending on who you ask. Typically, slant-back trays or prepackaged displays for fast load-in are used; PDQ displays, including floor displays, are designed to require little work for the retailer. The term is also used to describe countertop displays.

Not all big box stores use this term consistently. Walmart uses “PDQ” to describe everything except sidekicks.

2. Shippers

Often confused with PDQs or PDQ shippers, this generally refers to either a master carton for bulk product or a pre-packed display.

3. RRP

First defined by Amazon, Retail Ready Packaging, or RRP, is similar to PDQ. This term refers to a floor-ready product or a product shipped individually to customers.

4. Sidekicks/Power Wings, Wingstacks & Side Stacks

Prepacked displays using shelves and/or hooks. Sidekicks/power wings are handy displays located on the sides of endcaps at Walmart. These are standard-sized 14” wide x 5” deep x 36” or 48” high. Wingstacks (Home Depot) and sidestacks (Lowe’s) are similar in construction and are pre-packed displays fitting on a ¼, ½, or full pallet.

5. Clamshells & Blister Packs

Low-cost plastic packaging sealed around the product is most commonly known as blister packaging or clamshells. Terms used in clamshell production include thermoform and vac-form.

6. Permanent vs. Temporary Displays

As you may have guessed, custom permanent POP floor displays are intended to remain in place and be restocked for a longer period (more than a year, minimum), and are typically made of metal, plastic, or wood.

Custom temporary POP floor displays are more popular due to their lower cost and weight, and are designed to last as long as the product they hold.

7. Butterfly Skirts

Butterfly skirts – the term is frequently used in Costco warehouses – are drop-down panels that double as outer protection (shrouds) for pallet displays. When dropped, in-store butterfly skirts create a colorful billboard along the bottom of the display while covering the stack of wood pallets used to raise it.

8. Shelf Talkers

Shelf talkers are attached to a shelf ledge to draw attention to sale items or other promotions for a specific product. Typically made of PVC, shelf talkers are easily attached and can include interactive elements, such as QR codes.

9. Shelf Wobblers

Shelf wobblers are like shelf talkers in purpose, but different in architecture. Shelf wobblers hang from shelves to attract customer attention.

10. Aisle Violators

These vinyl signs are effective for drawing greater attention to products. Often used in grocery retail environments, aisle violators extend into the aisle space for an eye-catching, double-sided display.

Retail Display Expertise & Support

Retail display campaigns come with a steep learning curve, from lingo to logistics. Working with a partner who not only “speaks retail” but can also increase your likelihood of landing a program with Costco, Walmart, Sam’s Club, and other retailers is a definitive advantage.