Why Display Packaging Is Becoming the Real Difference-Maker on Store Shelves

A customer is shopping in a store, looks at a product and makes a purchase within 3 seconds. Within that time span, a product either gets picked up or it gets passed over. This is why many brands are now re-thinking the way their products appear before a customer reads the label.

Display packaging has quietly emerged as one of the greatest differentiators between sell-through and shelf products. It isn't merely a box for holding an object, it's the first impression a brand makes.

What Makes Shoppers Stop and Look?

The grocery store is a noisy environment. There are dozens of similar products vying for the limited seconds they have and most of them fail. Packaging which is strong in display will have a fighting chance because it will give the product shape, colour and structure before any other if necessary.

In some cases, the better the brand has the product presented in an attractive display box for product, the more visible the product will be on the shelf; the packaging is part of the job. A plain box integrates in. But one stands out, and that's the one that's thoughtfully designed, even in the presence of bigger competitors with bigger marketing budgets.

Why Are More Brands Switching to Custom Display Packaging?

Until recently, the standard or generic box was the go-to option for small and medium-sized brands as it was simple and affordable to order. That is all changing rapidly.

Custom display packaging is becoming a more popular choice for more companies, as it allows them to design the packaging based on the packaging size, shape, printing and finish in a way that generic boxes cannot.

A custom display box can be designed to fold flat on a shelf, display the product within, and reinforce brand colors all in one at the same time. That kind of functionality and presentation may be as important as the product to a growing brand.



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What Should You Look For in Quality Display Packaging Boxes?

However, not all packaging options are equal – knowing what matters is important when selecting display packaging boxes for a product line.

Structural Strength

A display box must be able to maintain its shape through shipping, handling and restocking multiple times. Corners crumble and the display looks tired within days if it's made from a weak material.

Print Quality and Branding

Sharp graphics, accurate colours and clean finishes are what mean the difference between a professional looking box and a 'me too' box.

Eco-Friendly Materials

People are starting to care about being good to the planet which makes using materials that can be recycled more important than being a nice extra.

Companies can see the ideas showing up in the way packaging is made by businesses like Kwick Packaging, which allows them to begin without needing to order a lot, at once.

Which Industries Benefit Most From Display Packaging?

But a few industries have taken the plunge in the packaging area:

1. Snacks and edibles: resealable, food-grade boxes that help maintain product freshness
2. Cannabis: packaged and discreetly made for official shelves!
3. Beauty and personal care: high-quality finishes that align with the brand positioning.
4. Supplements: bullet proof bottles and pouches during transit.
5. Pet products: sturdy boxes that can withstand the rigors of the store.

In all these categories, packaging is more than just a protective barrier to a product. It needs to reflect the brand from the moment that it hits the shelf.

Top Packaging Manufacturers Leading the US Market: Kwick Packaging and Others

There are many different manufacturers within the U.S. packaging industry, and they all have their own respective strengths. While some companies specialize in large corporate orders, others have made their reputation based on their flexibility with smaller and growing brands.

Some of the bigger brands such as Packlane and PakFactory are always cited when discussing new manufacturers who specialize in smaller runs and quick delivery.

The best manufacturers in this category are the ones that can take a concept and make it to the factory floor instead of being a middleman between the client and the factory floor.

Where Can Businesses Source Display Packaging Wholesale?

When brands are expanding into the market, they need to order display packaging wholesale, otherwise it is impractical. The bulk purchase typically can be bought at a much lower price per unit, but only when a brand has a product design that is ready and has enough demand.

There are also many manufacturers out there that provide tiered pricing, meaning that a business can get a smaller test run of the product, and then increase to wholesale once they've proven it in the marketplace. This allows the smaller brands to face up to the shelf presentation competition without the early financial burden.

Final Thoughts

The packaging business has come a long way from simply serving the purpose of protecting the product during shipping.

These days, display packaging serves as a silent salesperson on every shelf it touches and on a single stroke of a finger, can make or break whether or not a shopper grabs an item or walks right past it.

Brands are at a disadvantage if they overlook packaging as part of the product or service experience. The trend of using good, custom packaging is not unique to large companies with huge budgets; companies such as Kwick Packaging are on the same path.

Now, smaller brands have a true chance to compete on the same playing field as the big brands, and those that make it count are the ones that are creating long-term shelf presence.