Consumers today are more distracted — and harder to capture — than ever before. Today’s consumer can buy almost anything with a few taps, so the physical retail environment has one clear job: give people a reason to show up. Experiential retail displays do exactly that. They transform stores from transactional spaces into destinations, places where customers don’t just shop, but they engage, discover, and buy.
While it’s hard to compete with the convenience of online shopping, a 2025 study highlighted in Retail Insider found that 44% of shoppers still prefer to shop in-store, and more than half said product interaction drove their decision to shop in retail stores. Giving the shopper this interactive experience is key to retail marketing success.
Do experiential retail displays really convert browsers into buyers?
It’s a fact. Retail stores are much more likely to convert shoppers into buyers. Retail stores’ average conversion rates are between 20%–40%, while ecommerce platforms convert at a rate of 1–3%. And these conversion rates only stand to improve as brands incorporate more immersive displays and opportunities for interaction into their in-store strategies.
Even more compelling, Accenture recently found that 76% of consumers who “have some fun” while shopping due to digitally-powered or interactive displays say they are likely to recommend the brand to others. Focusing on enhanced customer engagement and memorable in-store interactions is driving retail growth, and this reflects a broader industry emphasis on connection, entertainment, and personalization as key drivers of purchase decisions.
Experiential displays increase dwell time, which increases conversions
One of the most immediate benefits of experiential displays is increased dwell time. The longer a customer stays in your space, the more likely they are to explore, engage, and ultimately buy. In fact, one recent industry study found that a 1% increase in dwell time resulted in a 1.3% increase in sales.
But it’s not just about keeping people in-store — it’s about guiding them through a journey.
Experiential displays can:
- Introduce new products in a memorable way
- Educate customers without overwhelming them
- Create natural pathways through the store
- Highlight key features through interaction rather than signage
- Allow for actual use of the product to help customers envision it as part of their lives — and close the sale
Making it work for your product and your budget
The most effective experiential displays are rooted in a clear understanding of the customer and the product. Ask:
- What do customers need to feel to make a purchase?
- What questions or hesitations can we eliminate through experience?
- How can we make this moment memorable?
Not every experiential display needs to be high-tech or high-budget. Sometimes, a simple tactile element or a clever storytelling display can outperform a complex digital installation.
The Titleist Trial Center display is an excellent example of an effective, cost-efficient experiential display. Designed around the actual product to reinforce the brand, the Titleist Trial Center lets shoppers grab a club and putt or swing it. The golfer can affirm fit, feel, and comfort in a way not possible with an online purchase. Interactions like this are only possible in a retail setting, building buyer confidence with each purchase.
The bottom line: experiential retail displays are worth the investment
Considering that in-store conversion rates are strengthened by immersion and interaction, experiential retail displays are a strategic play for retail brands. They drive engagement, increase conversions, and create the kind of meaningful brand connections that e-commerce alone cannot achieve.
Here at Franklin Display Group, we have decades of experience partnering with major brands to produce custom retail experiences that not only attract attention but also turn browsers into buyers — and loyal repeat customers. If you’re planning your first or next retail display, connect with us to learn all about our proven experiential design process.