Endcap

This article is about the shelves at the ends of aisles in retail stores. For the packaging, see End cap (cushioning).

In retail marketing, an endcap, end cap, Free Standing Display Unit (FSDU), or gen-end (general end shelving) is a display for a product placed at the end of an aisle. It is perceived to give a brand a competitive advantage.^[1] It is often available for lease to a manufacturer in a retail environment. Products placed on an endcap for sale will sell at a much faster pace than products not on the endcap.^[2] The display of products on the endcap is sometimes also called a feature.

Endcaps at a Walmart store

Promotional shelves and retail fixtures

Bags of flour on end cap

In addition to products displayed on the end of an aisle, promoted space on a retail shelf can be referred to as a fixture. Companies will oftentimes purchase a smaller amount of shelf space before making the move to an endcap at the end of an aisle.^{[citation needed]}

Construction

End caps are often built into the shelving or racks of the retail aisle system. Other retailers have an open space at the end of the aisle; an end cap is placed in that space, often on a pallet. Several design options are available.^[3]

Some endcaps are refrigerated.^[4] Most endcaps are made of printed corrugated fiberboard; corrugated FSDU's are readily recyclable. Corrugated plastic is also used. Many endcaps and point of purchase displays are assembled by contract packagers.^{[citation needed]}

See also

• Gondola (retail)
• Visual merchandising
• Display stand