62% of shoppers would purchase items on impulse when attracted to an appealing display, but for the retail sector, it’s never been more difficult to stand out. Intense competition, economic instability, and changing consumer habits are just some of the challenged faced today. For retailers, it’s no longer enough to simply sell.
Today’s consumers are looking for value, quality, innovation, and unique experiences. A key part of delivering that unique experience is having interactive displays, which will transform your store into a destination rather than just another retailer. Interactive displays not only stop consumers in their tracks, but invite them in, and most importantly, encourage interaction.
In retail, interactive displays take traditional point-of-sale to the next level. They’re physical displays enhanced with technology that invites shoppers to do something, such as scan a QR code, explore digital content, trigger animations, try out interactive AI, and much more.
At their best, interactive displays don’t just look good – they engage. And the most effective ones tend to follow a few golden rules:
In recent years, the retail sector has been making big strides towards more sustainable display design, and shoppers are paying attention. With consumers increasingly demanding transparency and accountability, sustainability has become a real trust signal. When your in-store experience reflects your brand’s values, customers feel far more confident engaging with it.
At Imageco, sustainability isn’t an add-on; it underpins everything we create. We often work with materials like Xanita board, a non-toxic, fully recyclable fibreboard that’s tough enough for structural builds yet light enough for quick installations. It’s a brilliant option for interactive displays, especially those that require durability, movement, or a bit of clever engineering behind the scenes.
Our whole process is designed to minimise waste while maximising precision. For interactive builds, we use CAD digital prototyping to map out every detail before cutting a single piece of material. This lets us refine joints, interlocking mechanisms, cable routes, sensor placements and all the other intricate elements that make an interactive display run seamlessly in-store.
By perfecting the design digitally, we avoid unnecessary physical prototypes, reduce waste, and ensure every component is precisely crafted . This results in an interactive display that’s sustainable, beautifully engineered, and ready to perform.
Our team is genuinely passionate about greener design, and we love helping clients feel the same. Partnering with Imageco means zero compromise on sustainability or style. And to show the impact of your choices, we provide a Carbon Metrics report for every project, giving you a clear view of the difference your display has made.
For the launch of the 1460 Rain boot, Dr. Martens partnered with wearesyn. and Imageco once again, for a full sensory experience. With Syn leading the creative, and team Imageco in charge of engineering and build, this immersive installation was displayed in pride of place, inside the Oxford Street flagship store!
The team created a 360° “rainstorm” environment, complete with infinity mirrors, atmospheric lighting, rain soundscapes and even a petrichor diffuser. Rather than telling shoppers the boots were waterproof, the space showed them, turning product benefits into something you could actually feel!
The experience centred on the Rain Cube, which was designed to feel genuinely wet. Raindrops appeared to run down the walls, while the entire store frontage was transformed to look like rain covering the windows. Achieving this effect required more than conventional print, as standard inks would sit flat and lose depth under the lighting.
To solve this, Imageco’s print team developed an innovative technique using layered gloss ink on PVC-free optically clear adhesive. Multiple layers built on our SwissQ printer created 3D droplets that catch the light, distort the view behind them, and even feel tactile, perfectly mimicking water on glass. The layered print covered the Rain Cube interior and the storefront glazing, tying the whole installation together.
Interactive elements lifted it further. A reactive digital floor displayed raindrops underfoot, encouraging visitors to step in, explore and play. The mirrored environment created natural, shareable moments, boosting dwell time and social reach.
Motion Mapping provided the technical installation, housing their 3m x 2.5m interactive digital floor seamlessly within the structure to create an immersive, responsive experience.
This display is experiential retail at its best: emotional, sensory, and rooted in strong product storytelling. Imageco brought the build to life using sustainable materials, innovative techniques and meticulous attention to detail, proving that immersive design and responsible production go hand in hand.
Imageco’s experiences with Dr. Martens (and many other major retail brands) have given us a deep understanding of what makes retail displays truly effective. We know what makes shoppers tick, and how to turn a concept into a standout in-store experience.
Our flexible team works around you. Whether it’s rolling out displays across multiple sites on tight deadlines, working unsocial hours to keep your doors open, or creating immersive environments that bring your latest product to life, we deliver show-stopping retail displays every time.
With our print innovation, cutting-edge design, and responsible technology, we help you harness the full potential of your displays, captivating customers, boosting engagement, and leaving a lasting impression.
Partner with us today to showcase your products like never before!
