The global point of sale materials (PoSM) market size reached a value of almost USD 35.19 billion in 2024. The market is further expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.6% between 2025 and 2033, reaching a value of nearly USD 57.39 billion by 2033. This growth is driven by the increasing adoption of advanced PoSM solutions across various sectors, the growing emphasis on customer engagement, and the rise in demand for innovative, customized displays. PoSM materials are integral in the retail, FMCG, food and beverage, pharmaceutical, and other sectors, playing a crucial role in enhancing brand visibility and improving customer experience. This blog post delves into the market size, trends, segmentation, and forecasts for the PoSM market from 2025 to 2033.
Market Overview
Point of Sale Materials (PoSM) refers to the materials used by businesses at the point of sale to engage customers, advertise products, or provide essential information. These materials include displays, signage, promotional tools, digital screens, and other tools designed to enhance customer interaction and sales conversions. The PoSM market has evolved significantly over the years, especially with the advent of digital solutions that have transformed the way brands interact with consumers.
PoSM can be divided into two broad categories:
- Soft PoSM – Digital and electronic materials such as interactive screens, digital signage, and virtual displays.
- Hard PoSM – Traditional, non-digital materials like printed signs, banners, shelf-talkers, and posters.
As businesses seek to improve customer experience and boost sales, the demand for innovative PoSM solutions is expected to continue rising, fostering market growth across multiple industries.
PoSM Market Size and Trends
In 2023, the PoSM market reached a valuation of USD 35.19 billion, with a promising growth trajectory ahead. The market is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.6% from 2025 to 2033, reaching approximately USD 57.39 billion by 2033. Several key factors contribute to this anticipated growth:
Digital Transformation and Soft PoSM
The digitalization of PoSM materials has been one of the most notable trends in recent years. Soft PoSM solutions, including digital signage, interactive kiosks, and mobile-based solutions, are gaining popularity for their ability to deliver dynamic content and personalized customer experiences. These technologies are particularly favored in sectors like retail and food and beverage, where real-time promotions and information updates can significantly influence consumer behavior.
Customization and Sustainability
Another important trend is the growing demand for customized PoSM solutions. Businesses are increasingly opting for PoSM materials that reflect their brand identity and resonate with their target audience. Furthermore, the push for sustainability in all sectors has led to the rise of eco-friendly PoSM materials. Companies are now looking for sustainable materials for their PoSM displays that do not compromise on effectiveness while being environmentally conscious.
Market Segmentation by Type
Soft PoSM
Soft PoSM includes all digital and interactive point-of-sale materials such as screens, interactive displays, mobile apps, and virtual product demos. These materials allow businesses to engage customers more effectively through dynamic and engaging content. The growing adoption of mobile and cloud-based solutions has accelerated the demand for soft PoSM, particularly in industries where customer experience and interactivity are critical. For example, the retail and food and beverage sectors leverage soft PoSM to provide customized promotions, offer customer loyalty programs, and enhance in-store experiences.
Key Drivers:
- The rise in digitalization and cloud technology.
- Increased demand for customer personalization and engagement.
- Growth in mobile shopping and digital payment solutions.
Challenges:
- High initial investment costs.
- Technological limitations in certain regions.
Hard PoSM
Hard PoSM refers to traditional, non-digital materials, including posters, banners, product displays, and shelf-talkers. Despite the increasing popularity of digital solutions, hard PoSM remains highly relevant in certain sectors, particularly in environments where simplicity and cost-effectiveness are key. The use of printed materials for in-store promotions, especially in the retail and FMCG sectors, continues to be a staple for many businesses.
Key Drivers:
- Lower upfront costs compared to digital PoSM.
- Strong physical presence in stores that digital displays cannot replicate.
- Greater customization options for branding.
Challenges:
- Limited interactivity and engagement.
- Shorter shelf life of materials, especially in fast-moving industries.
Market Segmentation by Application
FMCG (Fast-Moving Consumer Goods)
PoSM plays a pivotal role in the FMCG sector, where competition is fierce, and differentiation is key. Brands use PoSM to showcase new products, emphasize key promotions, and improve the customer shopping experience. Given the high volume of transactions in FMCG, effective PoSM can significantly drive sales.
Food and Beverage
The food and beverage sector has increasingly embraced PoSM materials, especially with the rise of experiential marketing. Digital signage, for instance, is used to advertise daily specials, new menu items, and promotions. The need for attractive and informative PoSM materials has surged with the growth of fast-casual dining and online food ordering.
Retail
Retail environments are seeing rapid transformations, and PoSM is central to these changes. Whether through digital displays promoting sales or traditional shelf signage showcasing product details, PoSM is used to draw customer attention, guide shopping behavior, and enhance in-store experiences.
Pharmaceutical
In the pharmaceutical industry, PoSM is used to promote awareness of products, provide information about drug usage, and encourage customer trust. However, this sector faces unique regulatory challenges that demand careful consideration in PoSM designs and messaging.
Others
PoSM solutions are also gaining traction in other industries, such as electronics, automotive, and entertainment, where in-store or in-office displays can influence consumer purchasing decisions.
Regional Analysis
The PoSM market is globally distributed, with different regions exhibiting unique growth patterns. Key regions include:
North America
North America holds a significant share of the global PoSM market, driven by high technological adoption, strong retail presence, and the increasing popularity of digital PoSM solutions.
Europe
In Europe, the focus is on sustainability, with businesses increasingly opting for eco-friendly PoSM materials. The retail sector is a major driver, as businesses look for innovative ways to engage customers.
Asia-Pacific
The Asia-Pacific region is expected to experience the highest growth, with rapid urbanization, increasing disposable incomes, and a growing middle class driving demand for both hard and soft PoSM materials.
Latin America and Middle East & Africa
The demand for PoSM in Latin America and the Middle East & Africa is expanding, particularly in the retail and FMCG sectors, as businesses in these regions focus on enhancing their in-store marketing strategies.
Market Dynamics
SWOT Analysis
- Strengths: Diverse applications across multiple industries, high demand for customer engagement solutions.
- Weaknesses: High upfront costs for digital PoSM, dependency on regional regulations and market conditions.
- Opportunities: Rising adoption of mobile solutions, growth in e-commerce and omnichannel retailing.
- Threats: Intense competition among PoSM providers, economic fluctuations affecting discretionary spending.
Porter’s Five Forces Analysis
- Threat of New Entrants: Moderate, as the digital PoSM market requires high initial investment but has room for innovation.
- Bargaining Power of Suppliers: Moderate, with raw material costs influencing pricing.
- Bargaining Power of Buyers: High, as businesses seek cost-effective solutions that offer maximum return on investment.
- Threat of Substitutes: Low, as PoSM materials provide unique engagement benefits.
- Industry Rivalry: High, with numerous players competing in both digital and traditional PoSM markets.
Key Indicators for Demand and Price
- Demand: Influenced by technological adoption, economic conditions, and industry-specific trends.
- Price: Affected by the cost of raw materials, technological advancements, and the customization required by clients.
Competitive Landscape
The PoSM market is highly competitive, with leading players focusing on product innovation, partnerships, and expanding their portfolios. Key players are investing in advanced technologies such as digital displays, augmented reality, and interactive kiosks to stay ahead of the curve.
