What makes a great tailgate or football display that stands out to shoppers?
A great display should “scream” football before the shopper even looks at the products. Strong branding, football-themed POS, team colors, and a clean secondary display help create an immediate connection. I also like displays that show creativity, something eye-catching that gets customers thinking, I need these products for game day!
What are your top tips for building a game day display that grabs attention and is easy to shop?
- Build big and build up: Use multiple cases and layers to create height and visibility.
- Keep it clean, organized, and shoppable: Customers shouldn’t have to dig through the display.
- Group complementary products together: Make it easy for shoppers to quickly grab what they need for game day.
- Use one clear theme or message: Too much signage can take away from the display.
- Choose high-traffic areas: Entrances, main aisles, and areas where shoppers naturally slow down are best.
- Face recognizable, in-demand products outward: Make sure shoppers can immediately see the products they know and want.
Which package sizes work especially well when merchandising for tailgate season?
For football season, I focus heavily on bigger packages. I think 36-packs are one of the best options when available because customers immediately recognize them as a quantity purchase for a group.
It’s also great to incorporate different package sizes from the same brand. A large primary display featuring 30-packs and 36-packs can work well alongside a nearby secondary display with smaller packages, like 24-packs, 15-packs, and 12-packs. This lets customers see the different options without having to navigate the entire store.
How can retailers utilize POS and signage to make their football displays more effective?
Football-themed signs, banners, case cards, and branded display pieces can turn an ordinary stack of beer into a game-day destination. If there’s a promotion or special price, make that information extremely easy to see. POS should immediately tell shoppers what the display is about without getting in their way.
It’s also important to make sure packages remain easy to shop. I like to build displays around the POS so customers can easily grab what they want without having to move display pieces. The goal is to catch the shopper’s eye from several feet away and make their purchasing decision simple.
What should always be kept in mind when creating a display, especially one for football season?
Think like a shopper.
Make displays bold, easy to shop, and include visible pricing. Football season is all about grabbing attention, so create displays that stand out! At the same time, keep products organized and accessible so shoppers can quickly see what they want and easily grab it.