In flooring retail, change may not be constant, but it is expected. Ranges evolve periodically, store layouts shift and seasonal refreshes bring new priorities. For brands, that means designing POS displays that can flex without losing impact. Displays that stay relevant, even as the context moves on, so you’re not starting from scratch every time.
This is where agility comes to the fore. It’s a design principle, just like modularity, which I explored in my last piece. If modularity is about building systems that scale, agility is about building systems that respond. It’s the difference between repeatability and adaptability – and in a market where newness matters, that difference can be a real advantage.
Built to flex
Agile design starts with understanding how a fixture will be used and how often it’ll need to change. Some POS systems are built to last the lifespan of a product range. Others need to flex as colours are refreshed, prices shift or graphics evolve. The key is knowing which is which, and as is the case with modularity, this all comes down to the brief.
We interrogate it from the start to ascertain how adaptable the solution really needs to be. If a brand says they want interchangeable graphics, we ask how often they’ll actually be changed. If it’s once every three years, a simple fix might be enough. If it’s quarterly, we’ll build in tool-free access and intuitive fixings.
We aim to balance ease with intent, designing for what’s likely, not just what’s possible. This applies to every element of the display. A logo might stay fixed for years, but a room shot or price point could need updating every season. We design with that hierarchy in mind, building in flexibility where it’s needed and leaving it out where it’s not.
Sampling that suits the space
Agility also means designing for different kinds of customer interaction. Some displays invite shoppers to remove samples, lay them out in daylight or compare them against fabric swatches. Others are built to be viewed but not handled, and that difference shapes everything, from how samples are fixed to how easily they’re refreshed.
We’ve designed systems where samples can be removed and replaced without tools, and others where they’re locked in but still swappable by staff. It’s not one-size-fits-all. The role of the display – whether it’s tactile, visual or both – should guide the overall design from the outset.
Even within a single display, different levels of agility might be required. A hero sample might need to be fixed in place, while smaller swatches are designed to be handled. The key is to define those expectations early and build the system around them, so the display performs exactly as intended.
Graphics that change with ease
Graphics are another layer of adaptability. Logos tend to stay put, but lifestyle imagery, pricing and promotional messaging often need to evolve. That’s why we use fabric graphics more and more, because they’re durable, easy to ship and simple to swap. Unlike rigid boards, they can be folded and posted without damage.
It’s a small material choice that makes a big operational difference. Fabric graphics reduce shipping costs, simplify installation and allow for quick refreshes without specialist tools. That means retailers can update displays more often – keeping them aligned with current campaigns, seasonal shifts or pricing changes, without needing a full redesign.
We also consider how graphics are handled in-store. If a price point needs updating every few weeks, we’ll design a solution that’s quick and intuitive. If a roomset image is only likely to change once a year, we’ll balance ease with durability. It’s all about matching the mechanism to the moment and making change feel effortless.
Agility that protects and preserves
Agility doesn’t mean sacrificing control. We’ve designed bespoke brackets that only work with a brand’s sample straps, thus preventing competitors from misusing the display. It’s a subtle way to protect brand integrity while still allowing for refreshes. Compatibility design keeps the system flexible, but always on-brand.
It’s also a way to reduce waste. When adaptability is built with purpose, displays last longer, materials stay in use and over-ordering is avoided. But if flexibility is added without a clear need, it becomes clutter. Smart design means knowing when to build in change, and when to exercise restraint.
We’ve seen brands invest in displays that outlive their ranges, simply because they were designed with future refreshes in mind. That kind of foresight lowers costs, reduces landfill and keeps the brand looking sharp – all without reinventing the wheel every time. Agility, when done well, protects what matters.
Ultimately, agility is about designing displays that stay relevant – not chasing trends or over-engineering every fixture. It’s about understanding what needs to change, how often and why, then building in just enough flexibility to make that change easy. It protects investment, simplifies refreshes and keeps flooring brands fresh. That’s not just good design – it’s smart business.
By Matt Cater, Owner of Fathom Displays
www.wefathom.com
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