Retail displays remain a core driver of in‑store sales even as online shopping expands. 72% of consumers still shop in physical stores weekly. Global brick‑and‑mortar sales are forecast to reach 7.18 trillion US dollars by 2026, highlighting the ongoing importance of physical retail in revenue generation. The scale of spending on store environments and product presentation continues to rise, particularly in markets where experiential shopping remains strong.
Retailers are investing in new formats and technologies to increase engagement. Digital signage, electronic shelf labels, and AI‑driven layout optimisation are now common in large retail chains. These tools do more than display information; they affect purchasing behaviour and influence brand perception at the point of sale. The following sections outline current market values, growth forecasts, and key statistics driving these developments.
The global retail display market is valued at 38.99 billion US dollars in 2024 and is projected to reach 48.76 billion US dollars by 2034 at a 2.26% compound annual growth rate (CAGR). Retail fixtures are valued at 2.28 billion US dollars in 2024 and expected to reach 3.47 billion US dollars by 2033 with a 4.76% CAGR. Retail shelving is projected to grow from 2.88 billion US dollars in 2023 to 6.43 billion US dollars by 2032.
Regional performance highlights significant variations. Australia contributes about 2.7% of global digital signage revenue. Australia’s digital signage market is valued at 408 million US dollars in 2023 and expected to reach 644 million US dollars by 2029 with a 7.77% CAGR. Another forecast values the same market at 771.3 million US dollars in 2024, growing to 1.273 billion US dollars by 2030. Australia’s commercial display sector is projected to increase from 679.7 million US dollars in 2023 to 1.155 billion US dollars by 2030.
Strong sales volumes in physical retail spaces are driving investment in better displays and fixtures. The global digital signage market stood at 28.5 billion US dollars in 2024 and is forecast to reach 48.95 billion US dollars by 2033. Growth in this sector reflects a wider move toward technology‑driven presentation, integrated pricing, and real‑time inventory communication.
Digital signage is widespread in supermarkets, convenience outlets, and department stores. Global market growth is projected from 20.1 billion US dollars in 2024 to 27.3 billion US dollars by 2029, representing a 6.3% CAGR driven by demand for high‑resolution 4K and 8K displays. Sales increases of up to 33% have been recorded with digital signage, and attention capture can be up to 400% higher compared to static signage. In‑store screens have generated a 7% uplift in featured product sales and a 4% halo effect on overall brand sales at retailers such as Tesco and Walmart.
Academic research supports these outcomes. A study in the Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services found that featuring products on digital displays in hypermarkets increased sales, with effectiveness varying by store type. These findings align with behavioural studies showing that more than 70% of purchase decisions occur in‑store, influenced heavily by visual prompts like signage.
Digital signage also contributes beyond sales. It improves brand recall, accelerates decision‑making, and shortens perceived wait times. Retailers use it to highlight promotions, guide shoppers through aisles, and update content quickly to match demand cycles. Adoption rates continue to rise as installation costs fall and content management systems become more accessible.
Electronic shelf labels (ESLs) are rapidly replacing paper price tags in supermarkets and speciality stores. The market was valued at 630.8 million US dollars in 2019 and is projected to grow to 2.857 billion US dollars by 2027 at a 20.8% CAGR. A more recent forecast places the ESL market at 2.34 billion US dollars in 2024 and growing to 4.18 billion US dollars by 2029 at 12.3% CAGR.
ESLs enable real‑time price changes and reduce manual labour costs. Europe holds a dominant share, accounting for 48% of the global market in 2019. Integration with digital signage and AI‑powered analytics is expanding, providing retailers with precise control over promotions and inventory visibility. Combined with sensors and computer vision, ESLs support dynamic pricing strategies and improve shopper experience through accurate, real‑time information at the shelf level.
AI is reshaping how retailers design and manage store layouts. More than 80% of retailers plan to acquire AI systems in 2025. These tools evaluate customer flow, predict high‑traffic zones, and optimise product placement for better conversion. AI platforms use real‑time data to adjust digital signage messaging or alter shelf arrangements, often without human input.
AI‑driven spatial intelligence also improves planning speed. Retailers like Lowe’s use virtual simulations to test layouts and adapt displays faster. The approach reduces months of planning into weeks and helps avoid costly redesigns after installation. Combined with shelf‑level analytics, AI supports precision merchandising and reduces wasted floor space.
Design priorities are shifting from complex visual setups to clean, modular arrangements. Minimalist displays focus attention on products rather than cluttered backgrounds. Modular components let retailers adapt fixtures to seasonal campaigns or changing inventory without full redesigns.
Sustainability is a growing factor. Energy‑efficient LED displays and recyclable materials are now standard features in store upgrades. Retailers are also adopting displays designed for lower power consumption and longer lifespans, aligning with cost‑saving and environmental goals. Interactive features, including touchscreens and augmented reality overlays, are appearing more frequently. These technologies encourage shoppers to engage directly with product information and customise experiences on the spot.
Retail behaviour studies confirm that the majority of purchase decisions are made inside the store. More than 70% of buying choices occur at the point of sale, highlighting the influence of product visibility and display quality. Digital signage increases attention fourfold compared to static displays and drives sales increases of up to 33%. Brand recall also improves, with uplift rates exceeding 50% when digital prompts are present.
Shoppers respond strongly to contextual prompts near products. Promotions displayed directly on shelves or screens create urgency and encourage trial of new items. This effect is amplified in high‑traffic zones like end caps or checkout lanes, where impulse buying peaks. Data shows that effective displays not only increase featured product sales but also create a halo effect that benefits adjacent items and overall brand performance.
Australia represents a small but growing share of the global retail display market. The digital signage sector accounted for approximately 2.7% of global revenue in 2024. Local growth is strong, with market value projected to rise from 408 million US dollars in 2023 to 644 million US dollars in 2029. A separate forecast places the figure at 771.3 million US dollars in 2024, increasing to 1.273 billion US dollars by 2030.
Commercial displays beyond signage are also gaining traction. Australia’s commercial display market is projected to grow from 679.7 million US dollars in 2023 to 1.155 billion US dollars by 2030. This growth reflects increased investment in retail fit‑outs, particularly among supermarkets and large department stores seeking modern, technology‑integrated layouts.
Retail display markets will continue expanding through 2030 and beyond. Digital signage remains the fastest‑growing segment, supported by advancements in resolution, interactivity, and content automation. ESL adoption will increase as retailers prioritise dynamic pricing and operational efficiency. AI will move deeper into display strategy, offering predictive analytics that refine product placement and messaging in real time.
Sustainability and cost efficiency will shape fixture design. Modular systems built from recyclable materials and energy‑saving components will dominate store refurbishments. Augmented and mixed reality features are expected to become common, providing immersive shopping experiences without large hardware investments.
Retail displays directly influence consumer decisions and brand performance. Market data shows consistent growth across digital signage, shelving, and fixture categories, with rapid advances in AI and smart display technologies driving further change.
Retailers investing in modern, data‑driven display strategies are positioned to capture attention, improve sales, and respond quickly to shifting shopper behaviour.
