General Questions
What are the different types of display cases?
There are several ways to categorize display cases, with the two main classifications being placement style and vision type. Each category serves different retail needs and store layouts.
• Freestanding Display Cases: Stand-alone units that offer maximum flexibility in store positioning, perfect for highlighting seasonal products or creating focal points in open retail spaces
• Countertop Cases: Smaller units designed to sit on existing surfaces, ideal for showcasing premium items like jewelry, collectibles, or small electronics at point-of-sale locations
• Wall-Mounted Cases: Space-efficient options that attach directly to wall surfaces, great for maximizing floor space while still providing excellent product visibility
• Pedestal Cases: Raised display units that elevate merchandise to optimal viewing height, creating an upscale presentation for featured items
• Window Displays: Specialized cases built for storefront windows to attract foot traffic and highlight your best merchandise to passersby
• Full-Vision Cases: Feature glass panels on the front and top surfaces, providing maximum visibility of your products from the main customer viewing angle
• Extra Vision Cases: Include glass on the front, top, and side panels, allowing customers to view your merchandise from multiple angles for a complete product experience
• Half-Vision Cases: Combine a glass display area on top with enclosed storage space below, giving you both product showcase and inventory storage in one unit
• Quarter-Vision Cases: Provide display space in the upper portion with substantial storage underneath, commonly used in jewelry stores for organizing inventory
• Three-Quarter Vision Cases: Offer extensive display area with minimal storage space, maximizing product visibility while maintaining some organizational capability
What are display cases called?
Display cases can be called by several different names depending on their style and configuration. The most common terms include Showcases, Full Vision Display Cases, Extra Vision Display Cases, and Wall Display Cases. These different names often reflect the specific design features or mounting style of the case.
Sizing and Dimensions
How do I choose the right size display case for my products?
Choosing the proper display case size involves evaluating several important considerations to ensure your products look their best and your customers have a great shopping experience:
1. Measure Your Products: Start by measuring your largest items, including any stands, packaging, or protective covers they might need
2. Plan for Breathing Room: Leave adequate space around each product – typically 2-3 inches – so items don’t appear cramped and customers can clearly see everything
3. Consider Your Store Flow: Make sure your chosen case size won’t create bottlenecks or block important pathways where customers need to walk
4. Think About Growth: Select cases that can accommodate new products you might add to your inventory or seasonal items that vary in size
5. Match Customer Height: Choose case heights that work well for your typical customers – too high or too low can make browsing uncomfortable
What are standard display case dimensions?
Display case sizes vary between manufacturers, but there are some popular dimensions that work well for most retail applications:
• Countertop Cases: Typically range from 24″ wide x 18″ deep x 8″ high up to 48″ wide x 24″ deep x 12″ high
• Full-Vision Floor Cases: Common sizes include 48″ wide x 20″ deep x 38″ high, extending up to 72″ wide x 24″ deep x 42″ high
• Wall-Mounted Cases: Usually measure between 36″ wide x 12″ deep x 30″ high and 60″ wide x 16″ deep x 36″ high
Keep in mind that these are general guidelines, and many manufacturers offer custom sizing to fit your specific space and product requirements.
How tall should my display case be?
The ideal height for your display case depends on where you plan to place it and how you want customers to interact with your products:
• Countertop Cases: Work best at 8-12 inches tall, allowing customers to easily see over the case while standing at your counter
• Freestanding Floor Cases: Should be 36-42 inches high to position products at a comfortable eye level for most adults
• Wall-Mounted Cases: Function well at 30-36 inches tall when properly mounted at the right wall height for easy viewing
Materials and Construction
What materials are best for display cases?
The material you choose for your display case affects both appearance and functionality. Here are the main options and their benefits:
• Offers excellent clarity and resists scratching better than regular glass
• Creates a premium, professional look that works well in upscale retail environments
• Provides superior strength – approximately 4-5 times stronger than standard glass
• Breaks into small, safer pieces rather than dangerous shards if damaged
• Works great for: Jewelry stores, electronics shops, and luxury retail environments
• Much lighter weight than glass, making it easier to move and install
• Costs less than tempered glass while still providing good clarity
• Highly resistant to shattering, making it very safe for high-traffic areas
• More prone to scratching than glass, requiring careful cleaning
• Perfect for: Trade show displays, temporary setups, and budget-friendly installations
• Provides a warm, traditional appearance that many customers find appealing
• Can be stained or painted in virtually any color to match your store décor
• May need extra care in humid conditions to prevent warping or damage
• Often features glass panels combined with wood framing for the best of both materials
• Ideal for: Boutique stores, antique shops, and businesses wanting a classic look
What’s the difference between tempered glass and regular glass?
Tempered glass goes through a special manufacturing process involving controlled heating and cooling that makes it much stronger and safer than regular glass. When tempered glass does break, it crumbles into small, rounded pieces instead of creating sharp, dangerous shards. This safety feature makes tempered glass the preferred choice for retail environments where customer safety is important.
How do I choose between glass and acrylic display cases?
Your choice between glass and acrylic should be based on your specific needs and priorities:
• For Permanent Installations: Glass works better for long-term use due to its scratch resistance and easy maintenance
• For Budget-Conscious Purchases: Acrylic typically offers lower upfront costs while still providing good product visibility
• For Easy Maintenance: Glass cleans more easily and maintains its appearance longer with regular use
• For Safety Concerns: Both materials are safe when properly manufactured, though acrylic is virtually shatter-proof
• For Optical Clarity: Glass provides slightly better clarity, while acrylic may have a subtle tint
Security and Theft Prevention
Should I use locked display cases in my retail store?
Whether to use locked display cases depends on balancing your security needs with customer convenience. Recent studies show that 55% of customers will leave and shop elsewhere rather than wait for staff to unlock a case, so this decision can significantly impact your sales.
Locked cases work well for:
• High-value merchandise like jewelry, electronics, or collectibles
• Small items that are easy to conceal and steal
• Areas of your store where staff supervision is limited
• Businesses that have experienced theft problems in the past
Open cases are better for:
• Lower-value items where theft risk is minimal
• Products customers want to touch or examine before buying
• Impulse purchase items that benefit from easy access
• Stores that prioritize customer experience and convenience
What are alternatives to locked display cases?
If you want to protect your merchandise without the sales impact of locked cases, consider these alternatives:
• Individual Product Alarms: Small security tags that attach to specific items and sound if tampered with
• Motion Detection Systems: Sensors that alert staff when someone approaches or touches the display
• Strategic Camera Placement: Visible security cameras that deter theft while allowing customer access
• High-Visibility Positioning: Place valuable items where staff can easily monitor them from checkout or service areas
• Staff Positioning: Locate displays near areas where employees naturally spend time
How do locked display cases affect sales?
Research shows that locked display cases can significantly impact your sales performance:
• 55% of customers will choose to shop at a competitor rather than wait for assistance
• 13% will look for alternative products in your store that aren’t locked up
• Only 32% will wait for a staff member to unlock the case
This means that for every 100 potential customers interested in locked merchandise, you could lose 55 sales to competitors. However, for truly high-value items, the security benefit may outweigh this sales risk.
Lighting and Customization
What are the best lighting options for display cases?
LED lighting has become the standard choice for display cases due to several important advantages:
• Energy Savings: LED lights use about 75% less electricity than traditional bulbs, reducing your operating costs
• Low Heat Production: LEDs generate very little heat, protecting temperature-sensitive products from damage
• Long Lifespan: Quality LED lights can last for years without replacement, reducing maintenance needs
• Color Variety: Available in warm, cool, and full-spectrum options to complement different types of merchandise
• Dimming Options: Many LED systems allow you to adjust brightness to create the perfect ambiance
Can I customize display cases to match my brand?
Most display case manufacturers offer extensive customization options to help your cases fit your brand and store design:
• Color Matching: Choose colors and finishes that coordinate with your existing store décor
• Logo Integration: Add your business logo through etching, printing, or other branding methods
• Custom Lighting: Select LED colors that complement your brand colors or enhance your products
• Hardware Selection: Pick handles, locks, and trim pieces that match your store’s aesthetic
• Size Modifications: Adjust dimensions to fit your specific space requirements and product needs
Installation and Assembly
Do I need professional installation for display cases?
Whether you need professional installation depends on the complexity of your display case:
You can likely handle installation yourself for:
• Simple countertop cases that don’t require mounting
• Lightweight wall cases with basic mounting hardware
• Cases that don’t need electrical connections for lighting
Professional installation is recommended for:
• Large, heavy freestanding cases that need proper leveling
• Cases requiring electrical work for lighting systems
• Wall-mounted units going into drywall, brick, or concrete
• Cases that need floor anchoring for security or stability
How do I prevent display cases from tipping over?
Safety should always be a priority with display cases. Here are key steps to prevent tipping:
• Ensure Level Placement: Make sure cases sit on completely level surfaces to maintain proper balance
• Use Wall Anchoring: Secure tall cases to walls whenever possible, especially in high-traffic areas
• Consider Floor Mounting: Bolt heavy or valuable cases to the floor for maximum security and stability
• Balance Your Contents: Distribute weight evenly throughout the case rather than loading one side heavily
• Choose Quality Construction: Invest in cases with wide, stable bases designed to resist tipping
Pricing and Purchasing
How much does a display case cost?
Display case pricing varies widely based on size, materials, features, and customization level:
Budget-Friendly Options ($200-$500):
• Smaller countertop cases made from acrylic
• Basic construction without lighting or special features
• Standard sizes and finishes without customization
Mid-Range Choices ($500-$1,500):
• Medium to large cases with glass construction
• LED lighting systems and some customization options
• Professional-grade materials and construction
Premium Options ($1,500 and up):
• Large custom cases built to your specifications
• Tempered glass construction with advanced features
• Sophisticated lighting systems and security features
• Full customization including colors, logos, and special sizing
You have several options for purchasing display cases, each with different advantages:
• Online Retailers: Offer the widest selection and often competitive pricing, with detailed specifications and customer reviews
• Local Store Fixture Suppliers: Allow you to see and touch cases before buying, plus provide local support and faster delivery
• Custom Manufacturers: Create cases built specifically for your needs, though typically at higher prices and longer lead times
• Trade Shows: Provide opportunities to see many options in person and sometimes negotiate special pricing
Glass display cases are available from most retailers that sell display fixtures. You’ll find them at online specialty retailers, local store fixture companies, and custom glass manufacturers. Many office supply stores also carry basic glass cases, though selection may be limited.
The best place to buy display cases depends on your specific needs, budget, and timeline. Online retailers offer convenience and selection, local suppliers provide hands-on service, and custom manufacturers deliver exactly what you want. Consider factors like shipping costs, return policies, and customer support when making your decision.
