A shop is more than just a place where products are sold. It is an experience, a world in which customers immerse themselves and where every detail plays a role: from lighting and scent to the materials you choose for displays, signage and interior design. Plastics such as plexiglass, acrylic and polycarbonate have become indispensable in that experience. They combine elegance with strength, are flexible in design and adapt effortlessly to the look and feel of any brand.

Why plastics in retail?

When people think of shop fittings, wood, metal or glass often spring to mind. However, plastics are rapidly gaining ground, and that is no coincidence. They offer unique advantages that perfectly match the needs of the retail sector:

• Lightweight yet strong: easy to move around and still able to withstand intensive use.
• Transparent and clear: plexiglass and acrylic offer the same luxurious appearance as glass, but without the risk of breakage.
• Infinitely mouldable: milling, laser cutting, bending and gluing – plastic can literally take on any shape.
• Colour and style: from crystal clear to strikingly fluorescent, matt or high gloss, plastics give brands the freedom to be creative.

This makes them ideal for those who want to stand out on the shop floor while remaining practical in terms of maintenance and durability.

The power of displays

In retail, there is one golden rule: a product that is seen sells faster. Plastic displays play a key role in this. They attract attention, bring structure to the range and give products that little bit of extra appeal.

• Plexiglass counter displays make small products stand out without cluttering the space.
• Freestanding POS displays made of robust PVC or PETG are sturdy enough for intensive use and easy to transport.
• Acrylic product holders and pedestals give high-end items a luxurious presentation.

The advantage of plastic is that each display can be fully customised to suit the product and brand identity. This transforms a simple promotional corner into a complete brand experience.

Signage that speaks

A shop without clear signage is like a city without street signs: customers don't know where to go. Plastics offer a wealth of possibilities here.

• Acrylic lettering attracts the attention of passers-by and remains attractive for years, even when exposed to UV light.
• Wayfinding in store with clear arrows or plastic pictograms ensures a smooth flow of customers.
• Creative in-store communication such as hanging panels, light boxes or cut-out logos make all the difference to brand perception.

The great thing about it? Plastics are easy to personalise, so signage is not only functional, but also perfectly matches your corporate identity.

The smart sustainable choice

Sustainability is playing an increasingly important role in retail today. Customers expect brands not only to offer attractive products, but also to use materials responsibly. Plastics offer a surprising number of sustainable advantages:

• Recyclable variants: many plastics can be reprocessed into new products.
• 100% recycled plastic sheets: increasingly available and usable without compromising on quality.
• Long service life: a plastic display or sign lasts much longer than alternatives.
• Lightweight transport: less weight means lower logistics costs and a smaller ecological footprint.

A smart choice of materials therefore not only contributes to an attractive shop image, but also to a better planet and more efficient business operations.

Inspiration from the real world

What do these applications look like in reality? Here are a few examples:

• Fashion and luxury: plexiglass pedestals and transparent display cases that give products a floating effect while creating a high-end look.
• Supermarkets: robust plastic protective covers for food hygiene and shelves that are easy to clean.
• Pop-up shops and trade fairs: lightweight panels and structures that are easy to assemble, transport and reuse.
• Electronics: sturdy display stands that protect products while keeping them visible.

Every sector within retail benefits from plastics, from safety and hygiene to appearance and flexibility.

Customisation as a superpower

What makes plastic so powerful in retail is the freedom to customise it. A standard display or sign is often not enough to build a strong brand identity. At Metaplex, we translate the customer's style and needs into a unique solution.

Using techniques such as CNC milling, laser cutting, bending and gluing, we create solutions that are perfectly tailored to the application. Whether it's a luxury counter display, an eye-catching exhibition stand or a set of striking façade letters, every project is custom-made.

Plastics that sell 

Plastics are an essential part of modern retail, where presentation and functionality go hand in hand. Thanks to their versatility, durability and aesthetic appeal, they help shops and brands to stand out in a competitive market.

At Metaplex, we are ready to think along with you and create, from the initial idea to the final product. Because in retail, every detail is important, and plastics make that detail just that little bit better.