A look at the latest display solutions to help your in-store purchases.

COLOURFUL ENGAGEMENT

ENER-J believes that effective point-of-sale (POS) displays can help electrical wholesalers turn valuable branch and counter space into an opportunity to generate additional sales.

Many innovative lighting and smart products can be difficult to communicate from packaging alone, which is why ENER-J has developed ready-to-use POS solutions that allow products and their key features to be presented clearly in-store.

The company’s latest displays include the RGBIC + CCT Designer surface light range, allowing customers to see the colour-changing and CCT features, alongside its Designer LED wall lights display. The aim is to create an eye-catching presentation that encourages customer engagement and helps branch staff introduce new products more easily.

The displays are designed to give wholesalers a practical and professional way to showcase products without the need to create their own merchandising solution. By helping customers see how ENER-J products look and understand their key features, a well positioned POS display can help create interest and encourage additional sales.

ENER-J continues to invest in developing POS and display solutions across its product range. The company is keen to work with its wholesale partners to create attractive in-store presentations that support product awareness and sales.

To secure your ENER-J POS, contact jay@ener-j.co.uk or click here

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David Williams, Schneider Electric’s VP Transactional Business and Major Pursuits UK&I, explores the shift from traditional in-person trade counters to blended, multi-channel experiences for the electrical installation industry.

Our electrical installation industry continues to navigate changes and new trends. The digital world has opened many opportunities across our sector, both now and for the future.

Schneider Electric’s research into the Trade Counter of the Future reveals current and future evolutions in our industry.

Distribution is now firmly multichannel

The trade counter remains the vital channel – accounting for 41% of all purchases. At the same time, we’re seeing a purchasing evolution with increases in the use of digital channels. Our research found that three in four customers are expecting to use online for ordering and quoting more in the next five years. And let’s not forget, websites aren’t the only digital channel. Trade customers are also using email, mobile and even messaging apps such as WhatsApp to place orders these days.

It’s important to recognise that multichannel is here to stay. To succeed in this multichannel world, consistency of service and product availability across all channels are vital to create a seamless experience that suits individual customer needs.

Adapting to generational differences

Despite the move to online, a generational divide is evident. Younger tradespeople (25-34 years) overwhelmingly prefer online and mobile ordering, with 84% expecting to increase their use of digital channels in the next five years. In contrast, 39% of those over 55 don’t think their use of online will change.

This means wholesalers could benefit from segmenting their communications and offerings. Digital-first, mobile-friendly platforms are essential for younger trades, while relationship-driven, face-to-face service remains crucial for older customers. Channels like WhatsApp, YouTube, TikTok, and email should be tailored to audience age and digital behaviour.

Setting new standards in terms of speed and convenience

Consumerism has raised the bar when it comes to fulfilment and convenience in our everyday lives. This is influencing the business sector where speed, convenience and customer service are key elements in the purchasing journey, it’s no longer just about price.

Over half of trade customers now expect the same speed and convenience from their business suppliers as they get in their personal (consumer) lives. More than half say they choose online ordering because it saves valuable working time (56%), it offers convenient delivery direct to home or job site (54%) and it ensures fast, reliable and on-time deliveries (53%).

To respond to this, it’s worth investing in supply chain transparency, real-time stock visibility, and robust fulfilment infrastructure to meet these expectations with a seamless approach.

Differentiating with knowledge and education

When visiting trade counters, almost three-quarters (71%) of customers rate knowledgeable staff as extremely important, two-thirds (66%) like to browse new products and two in five are attracted by innovation hubs to trial new technology (41%) or attend live demonstrations (43%).

As product research and price comparisons move online, the physical trade counter can differentiate itself with its deep expertise and experience. Innovation hubs, digital POS displays, and QR-linked product information can transform the trade counter into a centre for upskilling and discovery. Training modules, digital brochures, and incentives for attending knowledge sessions can drive footfall and foster loyalty, especially among younger and new-to-industry tradespeople.

Aligning to customer behaviour and preferences

We identified two main customer mindsets that need to be considered. “Quick Collectors,” who value efficiency and speed, and “Browsers”, who seek advice, product discovery, and in-person engagement.

In this increasingly multichannel world, the trade counter can be reimagined as a hybrid service hub. Express lanes and streamlined collection points will cater to the Quick Collectors, while interactive education zones, live demonstrations, and innovation hubs will engage the Browsers.

Getting ready for the trade counter of the future

In our multichannel world, the trade counter is evolving. Channel customers expect a seamless blend of speed, service, and knowledge regardless of the channels they prefer.

Wholesalers are perfectly positioned to deliver consistent experience wherever an order is placed, while using the physical counter to provide what digital alone can’t: trusted expertise, hands-on discovery and human relationships.

By embracing these changes, electrical wholesalers can not only keep pace with evolving customer expectations and behaviour but also secure their place at the heart of the industry for years to come.

For further details, click here

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A look at the latest display solutions to help your in-store purchases.

Unicrimp has reinforced its commitment to supporting electrical wholesalers with the introduction of a comprehensive suite of point-of-sale (POS) solutions, designed to maximise product visibility, streamline merchandising and ultimately drive sales.

Q-Crimp countertop fixings POS

Created to support the newly launched Q-Crimp Fixing Additions range, this countertop display showcases the Plus Series high-performance woodscrews alongside Bullfix fixings. The updated packaging is fully recyclable and features a universal branding approach, reinforcing sustainability while maintaining strong shelf presence. Additionally, the fixings are supplied in contractor-friendly trays, improving usability on-site and enhancing convenience for installers.

Trade Tub floor stand display

The Trade Tub POS stand is a flexible, dual-section unit designed to optimise in-store merchandising. The lower section is configured to hold trade tubs, ensuring easy access to high-demand products, while the upper section offers wholesalers the freedom to customise displays according to their specific requirements. This adaptability enables distributers to tailor their offering to suit customer demand and available retail space. 

Slat wall display

A key component of the POS offering is the Slat Wall Display system, which will allow wholesalers to present Unicrimp’s diverse product ranges in a structured and visually engaging manner. These boards are highly versatile and can be configured to suit a variety of retail environments. Wholesalers can select from brand-specific boards, each carefully curated to highlight the distinct features and benefits of individual product lines, ensuring a clear and intuitive customer experience.

Catalogue dispenser

To ensure wholesalers have access to up-to-date product information, Unicrimp also provides a dedicated catalogue dispenser. This solution is designed to neatly house current catalogues and supporting literature, enabling customers to easily access detailed product specifications and guidance at the point of purchase.

Marketing support

In addition to physical POS solutions, Unicrimp provides extensive marketing support through the marketing hub on its website. This resource offers wholesalers access to a wide range of tools, including online ordering, product literature, imagery, and video content, enabling a fully integrated approach to product promotion.

Electrical wholesalers looking to enhance their in-store offering and benefit from Unicrimp’s POS displays and wall boards are encouraged to contact their local Unicrimp sales representative for further information, or click here

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A look at the latest display solutions to help increase your in-store purchases.

With trade counters under pressure to move fast, manage growing product ranges and stand out in an increasingly competitive landscape, professional merchandising has become a commercial tool in its own right. Well-designed POS displays help guide the customer journey, maximise floor space and encourage confident purchasing – all while reinforcing a store’s professional image.

First impressions count

The moment a customer walks into a wholesaler, they begin forming an opinion of the business. Clean, well-organised shelving sends a clear message: this is a professional environment, run by people who care about quality and efficiency. Branded displays add another layer, helping customers instantly recognise trusted suppliers while creating a consistent look across the store.

For electricians, time is often limited. They want to find what they need quickly and feel confident in the products they are buying. Clear, attractive POS stands reduce visual clutter and make key product categories easier to navigate, creating a more relaxed and productive in-store experience.

Making every square metre work harder

Retail space is valuable, particularly in busy trade counters where storage, stock and customer flow all compete for attention. Jefferson Tools’ shelving and display solutions are designed to maximise visibility without overwhelming the space, with options that include floor units, wall-mounted displays and countertop stands. By using vertical space and modular layouts, wholesalers can present more products in a smaller footprint, keeping fast-moving lines within easy reach while freeing up valuable floor space elsewhere. This not only improves store layout, but also allows teams to adapt their displays as ranges evolve or seasonal demand changes.

Turning browsing into buying

How products are displayed has a direct impact on how customers engage with them. Items that are easy to see, touch and compare are far more likely to be purchased than those hidden away on crowded shelves or in storage areas. Professional display stands help elevate everyday tools and accessories, making them feel more premium and considered. From gloves and PPE to hand tools and consumables, clear presentation draws attention and encourages customers to explore beyond their original shopping list. Strategically grouping related items, such as accessories alongside core tools, also creates natural opportunities for upselling and cross-selling, increasing average basket value without any hard sell.

In high-traffic wholesale environments, speed and simplicity are key. Customers want to get in, find what they need and get back to site with minimal delay. Well-planned point of sale layouts guide them logically through the store, helping them locate products quickly and reducing bottlenecks around counters and aisles.

Clear category signage, consistent branding and well-positioned displays all contribute to a smoother flow, improving the overall shopping experience while helping staff spend less time directing customers to the right products.

Partnership beyond the stand

POS displays are an extension of your brand. A tidy, modern merchandising system reflects positively on the wholesaler, reinforcing trust and professionalism in the eyes of customers. In a competitive market, where many suppliers offer similar product ranges, the way those products are presented can become a key differentiator.

Branded shelving also supports supplier relationships, giving key ranges the visibility they deserve while creating a more cohesive and attractive retail environment.

Jefferson Tools supports stockists not only with physical display solutions, but also with guidance on layout, merchandising and promotional materials. This ensures each stand is positioned for maximum impact and continues to perform long after installation.

For further details, click here

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