Retail counter displays are the main focus of a store, making the buyer journey easier to manage as well as providing other benefits:
- An effective way to display impulse purchases
- An eye-catching point of purchase
- Creates a lasting impression
- Useful for extra storage
What are retail counters?
A retail counter is often the focal point of a store, providing a point of purchase and a connection to your brand. It’s often the place customers will go to for assistance, and the rest of your store can be organised around this central experience.
Counter displays can be constructed from different types of material, so you can choose something that best suits your brand and ideal in-store customer experience. Common materials used for counter displays include:
- Wood
- Glass
- Melamine
- Marmoleum
A laminate finish can also provide colour, patterns and extra durability.
Retail counter display ideas to help you drive sales
Counter displays aren’t just the hub of your sales. Used effectively, they can drive customer purchases, up- and cross-sell and ensure shoppers really connect with your brand.
These 15 examples showcase how a counter can be used to draw attention and create a memorable in-store experience.
1. Modern mirror retail counter

This use of a mirror on the counter not only reflects extra light but also the products displayed around the store and the store fittings. Since store fittings influence shopper behaviour by drawing products to the eye, this is a clever way of multiplying that effect.
This is especially the case if you have bespoke shop fittings that are designed specifically for your products and that enhance your brand.
2. Make a statement with your retail counter
Retail counters that make a statement, such as this clothing counter with a mannequin by KSF Global for Maryling, are both eye-catching and memorable.
You can also use this creative idea to showcase your core product or promotion.

3. Counter displays that support your re-brand

If you’re rebranding, or even launching a new product, you can use your counter to highlight what’s new, such as in this example for Kenneth Cole by KSF Global.
Since every customer who makes a purchase has to come to the counter, they will see brand updates so it’s a way of strengthening your brand message.
4. Bespoke retail counters
The main advantage of a bespoke retail counter is that you can:
- Tailor it to suit your brand
- Ensure it fits neatly into your store’s space
- Get the exact amount of shelf and storage space you need
5. Corner counter displays

A corner counter neatly seals shop floor staff at the focal point of your store, from which they can provide customer assistance.
This type of counter also means you have extra storage that customers can’t see, keeping things at hand and organised behind the scenes. You also have more counter space to display products.
6. Glass counter displays
For precious, expensive or fragile items, glass top counters allow you to show your products to their best advantage while ensuring they are safe and secure.
This also provides a feeling of luxury and exclusivity, making glass counters ideal for items like watches and jewellery.

7. Counter displays with shelves

A retail counter with shelves has a double advantage. It offers both spaces for extra products right at the point of purchase and more storage space. If you are tight on floor space, this type of display may be well suited for your store.
8. Retail counters with drops

9. Wooden retail counter displays

Wood is a popular material for counters. In this example, you can see how it’s perfectly suited to the store aesthetic and overall brand.
Wooden retail counters are also highly durable and hard-wearing, important considerations in an area where there will be a lot of footfall and usage.
10. Optical retail counters

11. Customisable counters

12. Retail counter displays with in-built technology

13. Curved counters

14. Branded retail counters

15. Light up your retail counter

Effective use of lighting, whether that’s LEDs, overhead lights or lightboxes, can help you draw attention to your counter. In this example, LEDs are used to highlight the logo on the counter, and a lightbox maximises the power of the Sony brand.
Enhance Your Retail Counters With KSF Global
As a retail design agency, we have plenty of experience creating and designing a wide range of display stand solutions as a leading store fixtures manufacturer.
To find out how we can help you make a success of your retail stores with effective counter displays, get in touch today.