Maximizing Beverage Sales: Essential Drink Categories & Effective Display Strategies
April 11, 2025
Beverages are among the top-selling items in grocery and convenience stores, driving foot traffic and impulse purchases.
From energy drinks to bottled water, retailers stock various beverage categories, each with unique marketing and display needs. The right display strategy can significantly boost sales by attracting customers and making it easy for them to grab their favorite drinks.
Let's explore today's essential beverage categories and how store managers can display them effectively to maximize visibility and revenue.
Energy Drinks: Capturing the On-the-Go Consumer
Why They Matter
Energy drinks are a staple for busy professionals, students, and anyone needing a quick energy boost. Brands like Red Bull, Monster, and Celsius have strong brand recognition and a loyal customer base.
Best Display Strategies
- Endcap Coolers: Placing energy drinks in refrigerated endcaps near checkout lanes encourages impulse buys.
- Freestanding Floor Displays: Bold, branded displays in high-traffic areas can grab attention and boost sales.
- Cross-Merchandising: Position energy drinks near protein bars, nuts, or other grab-and-go snacks to increase basket size.
Soft Drinks & Seltzers: The Classic Best-Sellers
Why They Matter
Traditional sodas and flavored seltzers remain top-selling beverages, appealing to a broad demographic. This category continues to expand with the rising popularity of sparkling water brands like LaCroix and Bubly.
Best Display Strategies
- Refrigerated Shelving: Cold sodas and seltzers at eye level encourage immediate purchase.
- Bulk Stacking: Large-format displays of soda cases with promotional signage attract customers looking for value.
- Party Pairings: Positioning sodas near snack aisles or grilling essentials encourages multi-item purchases.
Cold Brew & Ready-to-Drink Coffee: Fueling the Daily Grind
Why They Matter
Consumers are increasingly opting for ready-to-drink coffee over traditional brewed coffee. Brands like Starbucks, Dunkin', and Stok dominate this space, providing convenient caffeine solutions.
Best Display Strategies
- Morning Traffic Placement: Display cold brews near breakfast foods like pastries and yogurt to drive early sales.
- Premium Shelving & LED Lighting: Highlighting these beverages with sleek displays can enhance their appeal.
- Bundling: Offering discounts on coffee and breakfast items together encourages larger purchases.
Bottled & Enhanced Waters: Catering to Health-Conscious Shoppers
Why They Matter
Many consumers prioritize hydration, and bottled water—including alkaline, electrolyte-infused, and flavored options—continues to dominate store shelves.
Best Display Strategies
- Dedicated Hydration Zones: Creating an organized water section with clear branding helps customers make quick choices.
- Checkout Placement: Smaller water bottles near the register can lead to last-minute purchases.
- Grouping Functional Waters Together: Electrolyte waters, vitamin-infused options, and flavored sparkling waters should be placed together for easy navigation.
Sports & Electrolyte Beverages: Appealing to Fitness-Focused Consumers
Why They Matter
Popular among athletes, gym-goers, and outdoor enthusiasts, sports drinks like Gatorade and BodyArmor offer hydration and electrolytes.
Best Display Strategies
- Endcaps Near Fitness & Outdoor Sections: Placing sports drinks near protein supplements or outdoor gear can increase sales.
- More extraordinary Shelving: Refrigerated placement makes these drinks more appealing, especially in hot weather.
- Clear Flavor Differentiation: Using signage to separate flavors and benefits (e.g., low-sugar, high-electrolyte) helps customers find the right product quickly.
Alcoholic Beverages & Non-Alcoholic Alternatives: Expanding Consumer Choices
Why They Matter
Ready-to-drink cocktails, craft beers, and alcohol-free alternatives like mocktails and non-alcoholic beers have surged in popularity. Consumers are looking for both convenience and variety in their beverage choices.
Best Display Strategies
- Beverage Destination Sections: A dedicated area for alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages encourages browsing.
- Branded Refrigeration Units: Branded coolers enhance visibility and keep products at optimal temperatures.
- Cross-Promotions: Pairing alcoholic beverages with complementary items like mixers, snacks, or party supplies increases total purchase value.
Get In Touch With PFI InStore
Strategically displaying beverages can significantly impact sales.
By optimizing placement, using attention-grabbing displays, and capitalizing on impulse purchases, store managers can enhance customer experience while boosting revenue.
Contact us today if you want to upgrade your beverage displays with custom solutions designed to maximize visibility and sales. Our team specializes in high-quality, retail-ready beverage displays that drive results!
