In today’s competitive retail landscape, capturing customer attention at the point of sale is crucial. With only seconds to influence decisions, strut cards offer a smart solution. Compact yet impactful, these displays help highlight promotions, share key messages, and enhance brand visibility. In this blog, we’ll dive into how strut cards contribute to POS excellence—what they are, how they work, and how they drive engagement. We’ll also explore the importance of design, materials, and quality printing, including options like Foamex printing, to maximise their effectiveness in-store.

What Are Strut Cards?

Strut cards are printed display boards designed to stand upright on flat surfaces. They are often used on counters, reception desks, tables, or display shelves. A strut card is made from a thick card or board, usually with a fold-out strut (or stand) at the back. This allows it to stand on its own without needing support.

These cards come in various sizes like A5, A4 or A3. They’re printed in high quality and can be finished with gloss or matte coating. Strut cards are a simple but effective way to display promotions, special offers, product features, contact information, or QR codes in physical spaces.

Unlike leaflets or posters, strut cards are freestanding and meant to be eye-catching from a short distance. They create quick visual impact, especially in busy places where people may not stop to read a full poster.

The Psychology Behind POS Displays

At checkout or in waiting areas, people often glance around while waiting for their turn. POS displays like strut cards catch this attention and give businesses an extra opportunity to communicate with their customers.

Marketing experts say that visual cues at the point of purchase can strongly influence buying behaviour. That’s because customers are more likely to make impulsive decisions when they see a time-limited deal or attractive promotion right in front of them.

Bright colours, bold fonts, short messages, and easy-to-understand layouts help create that immediate connection. Whether it’s a 10% discount or a new product launch, a well-placed strut card printing can push the customer towards action in just a few seconds.

How Strut Cards Boost Customer Engagement

Strut cards are more than just paper on a stand. They are mini billboards that sit where people are already paying attention. Here’s how they help businesses engage better with their customers:

1. Grab Attention Instantly

Strut cards are designed to stand out. With bold graphics, vibrant colours, and clever design, they instantly draw the customer’s eye. Whether on a retail counter or next to a product shelf, they interrupt the customer’s focus in a good way.

2. Share Messages Quickly

Time is short at the checkout. Strut cards are perfect for sharing messages in a simple and quick way. Whether you’re promoting a “Buy One Get One Free” deal or announcing a new arrival, your message is delivered without needing long text.

3. Reinforce Your Brand

Including your logo, brand colours, and slogan on a strut card helps customers remember your business. This type of branding is subtle but effective, especially when customers see it regularly.

4. Encourage Action

Strut cards often include a clear call to action (CTA). This might be a “Scan this QR code”, “Ask our staff”, or “Try this product today”. They help move customers from thinking to acting.

5. Affordable and Reusable

Strut cards are cost-effective. They’re strong, reusable, and easy to move around. You can change them as needed for different promotions or seasons without spending a fortune.

Where Strut Cards Are Used

Strut cards are useful in many industries. Here are a few examples:

Retail

Shops use them to promote sales, loyalty programmes, or new products at tills or near shelves.

Hospitality

Cafés, pubs, and restaurants place strut cards on tables or counters to display daily specials, menus, or feedback requests.

Health & Beauty

Salons and clinics use strut cards to show prices, promote new treatments, or give hygiene information.

Events and Exhibitions

At exhibitions or pop-up stalls, strut cards provide contact details, price lists, or a quick company intro.

Finance and Insurance

Banks and service providers use them in branches to show loan or insurance offers.

No matter the industry, the purpose is the same: to grab attention and deliver a message quickly and clearly.

Design Tips for Impactful Strut Cards

Design plays a huge role in how effective a strut card is. A few simple tips can help your message stand out:

• Use Bold, Readable Fonts: Choose fonts that are easy to read even from a short distance.
• Keep It Simple: Don’t overcrowd the card with too much text. Stick to one clear message.
• Include a Strong CTA: Tell the reader exactly what you want them to do — whether it’s “Visit our website”, “Claim your offer”, or “Ask a staff member”.
• Add Your Logo and Contact Info: Help people remember your brand and how to contact you.
• Make Use of Colour and Imagery: Eye-catching visuals help your card get noticed.

Many businesses use professional designers or printing companies to get the layout just right. A well-designed card can make a big difference in how customers respond.

Material Matters: Why Foamex Printing Works Well

While standard card materials work fine for many uses, foamex printing offers an upgrade for businesses that want something extra durable and professional. Foamex is a rigid PVC material that is lightweight yet very strong. It’s perfect for long-term displays or for cards that need to withstand heavy footfall areas.

Foamex boards can be printed in full colour and cut to various shapes or sizes. They’re weather-resistant too, so they’re a good choice for outdoor or semi-outdoor settings. If your business needs a premium-looking, sturdy display card, foamex printing is an excellent option.

Combining strut card printing with foamex printing gives you the best of both worlds: attention-grabbing visuals and long-lasting durability.

Sustainability and Quality Considerations

As more businesses focus on sustainability, it’s good to know that many strut card printing services now offer eco-friendly options. This includes using recycled boards, biodegradable inks, and reduced-waste processes.

High-quality printing also ensures your message is sharp, colourful, and long-lasting. The image of your brand can be harmed by a promotional card that is badly printed or blurry. Choosing a trusted UK-based printer helps ensure both speed and quality while supporting local businesses.

Why Strut Cards Still Matter in a Digital World

Even in today’s online-focused world, physical marketing materials still hold great value. Strut cards give customers something tangible to look at and act on. They also support your digital efforts — for example, by including a QR code that leads to your website or social media page.

People trust businesses they can see and feel. A well-made strut card shows professionalism, care, and credibility. When placed well, it becomes part of the overall customer experience.

Conclusion: Make Your POS Stand Out

Strut cards are simple yet powerful tools for point-of-sale marketing. They capture attention, deliver key messages quickly, and encourage customer action. Whether you run a retail shop, café, salon, or event, strut cards help boost engagement and brand recall. When combined with durable materials like Foamex printing, they become even more effective and long-lasting. Affordable and easy to customise, they’re ideal for seasonal promotions or everyday branding. Ready to enhance your POS displays? Trust Board Printing Company for expert support and high-quality strut card printing tailored to your marketing needs.