A Display Box—also called a counter display, shelf-ready pack (SRP), PDQ (Pretty Darn Quick) box, or CDU (Counter Display Unit)—is designed to present products clearly and accessibly on checkout counters, shelves, endcaps, events, or livestream sets to boost impulse purchases and conversion.
Where Display Boxes Shine
Checkout counters: gum, snacks, travel-size beauty, small accessories.
Shelf-ready (SRP): ship in the box, tear along perforations, and it becomes a tray + header—instant merchandising.
Promotions/endcaps: quick-build units for launches and seasonal offers.
Events & demos: lightweight, portable, easy to set up with swappable headers.
Common Structures
SRP tear-open tray: shipper transforms into an open display via easy-tear lines.
Counter sloped display: low front, high back; often with a replaceable header card.
Step display: tiered shelves to increase facings and visibility.
Gravity-feed: load from the top; items slide forward automatically.
Peg/hang display: hooks or punch holes for carded or pouched goods.
Dump bin/floor unit: high-capacity, attention-grabbing for promos.
Materials & Finishes
Paperboard (FBB/SBS): premium print for lightweight items and counter units.
Microflute corrugate (E/F/EB): stronger, better for heavier loads or e-commerce-to-store shipping.
Printing/finish: offset or UV; add anti-scuff varnish or matte film on heavy ink areas.
Design Tips That Sell
Opening & grab path: keep the front cutout low enough to expose the product and brand; smooth edges for easy pick-up.
Facings & replenishment: target 4–8 visible facings and leave a refill opening.
Header card: short copy, bold icons, high contrast, angled for typical viewing distance.
SKU control: use dividers for multi-SKU to avoid mixing.
Fast assembly: aim for one-step setup; stores should build it in seconds.
Fit the fixture: size to shelf depth/height or counter space—no oversize surprises.
Transit & In-Store Performance
Ship-in display: SRP doubles as the shipper; consider security seals/tear tape.
Strength: choose E/F/EB microflute for higher ECT/BCT needs.
Moisture & wear: add water-resistant coatings for chillers; protect touch points with varnish/film.
Cost Drivers
Material basis weight, structural complexity (perfs, steps, gravity rails, divider sets), print/finishes (soft-touch, foil, spot UV), pre-assembly labor, MOQs and versioning (markets/languages).
Sustainability Notes
Prefer mono-material paper; if using windows, choose separable PET.
Add FSC® and recycling marks.
Use PFAS-free coatings and low-VOC inks for store friendliness.
Supplier Brief (copy/paste)
Placement (counter/shelf/endcap/floor) + target L × W × H
Unit size & weight; units per display; single vs. multi-SKU
Delivery model (prebuilt vs. SRP tear-open); need quick-assembly?
Print/look (high graphics, special finishes, replaceable header?)
Strength/transport (e-commerce direct? stacking time?)
Sustainability (FSC®, recyclability, no plastic window or separable window)