Can I combine risers and trays in one layout?

Yes. Integrated trays with built-in risers are popular for organizing small SKUs with elevated focus.

Are plinths always floor-based?

No. Mini plinths are often used on counters in pop-ups or promotional gifting displays.

Can I use the same material across plinths, risers, and trays?

Yes. Using a unified material system improves brand consistency and display harmony.

What works best for gifting zones?

We recommend combining plinths (hero focus), risers (SKU elevation), and tiered trays (bundle logic) for emotional and functional clarity.

Display Plinth vs. Riser vs. Tiered Tray: Which Is Right for Your Product Category?

17 4 月, 2025

How to Choose the Best Display Elevation Format for Cosmetics, Skincare, Jewelry & More

Table of Contents

In retail design, height is not just a visual effect—it shapes how customers interact with your product. Yet many brands use risers, trays, and plinths interchangeably, missing the chance to guide the shopper journey.

Choosing the wrong elevation method can cause visual clutter, SKU confusion, or missed engagement. The right structure helps your product stand tall—literally and strategically.

At Samtop, we build modular systems that pair structure with storytelling, ensuring every tier and elevation level supports a purpose, not just a style.

✅ Summary: Which Display Format Works Best and When?

Plinth = Standalone, hero-worthy pedestal
Riser = Subtle elevation, spotlighting a few SKUs
Tiered Tray = Organized, layered structure for multi-SKU logic

Each plays a unique role in multi-zone retail display systems, especially across fragrance, cosmetics, skincare, and gifting categories.

📊 Comparison Table: Function by Format

Feature	Plinth	Riser	Tiered Tray
📍 Use Location	Floor / window / mid-store	Shelves / tables / counters	Tables / gondolas / counters
🎯 Purpose	Hero storytelling, sculptural anchor	Focus & rhythm within VM	SKU grouping & organization
📦 Capacity	1–2 hero products	1–3 focus SKUs	3–15 small or tiered items
🛠️ Flexibility	Low mobility (floor-fixed)	Stackable, movable	Flat-pack or magnetic modularity
💡 Add-ons	Lighting, mirror, signage	LED ring, mirror sleeve	Label inserts, QR code, tester info

✅ Want to learn more about category-based height planning? Read our visual height mapping guide.

🧱 When to Use a Display Plinth

Ideal for:

🧴 Fragrance flagships: showcase a premium bottle with LED halo
💍 Jewelry launches: present a single luxury item as art
🎁 Holiday gift campaigns: pair with floral or seasonal backdrops
📸 UGC/photo zones: freestanding plinth becomes shareable sculpture

💡 Pro tip: Keep the surroundings minimal—plinth = power.

🧰 When to Use a Riser

Perfect for:

💄 Lipsticks: group by tone or mood
🧼 Skincare testers: elevate hero serum or ampoule
💎 Jewelry: mirror acrylic riser + velvet = luxury detail
✈️ Travel retail counters: compact risers for limited footprint

💡 Stackable risers work great in modular VM kits for pop-ups.

🪜 When to Use a Tiered Tray

Use this format when displaying:

🌈 Color stories: eyes, lips, cheeks in progression
🧴 Mini bundles: 3–5 piece starter or holiday sets
🕯️ Fragrance layering: top, mid, base note storytelling
🛍️ GWP offers: categorize gifts by tier or value

💡 Include removable tray liners to reuse the frame across campaigns.

🧪 Case Study: Multi-SKU Fragrance Gifting Display

Goal: Showcase hero scent + layering set + gift minis in 90cm zone

Setup:

Center plinth = halo-lit hero bottle + campaign quote
Side riser = top note tester bottle
Tiered tray = mini set + gift cards

Results:

+48% dwell time at tester zone
72% of UGC photos featured hero plinth
Tray reused in Valentine’s rollout via magnetic liner swap

💬 FAQ

Can I combine risers and trays in one display?
✅ Yes, in fact, multi-format hybrid trays often integrate both for structure + flexibility.

Are plinths always used on the floor?
✅ Not always. Mini plinths are common on counters in pop-up or boutique retail.

Can all three elements use one material system?
✅ Absolutely. Use a consistent system like matte acrylic or brass + suede to unify brand tone.

What’s ideal for gifting zones?
✅ A trio: plinth (hero), riser (focus), tiered tray (selection). This creates both emotional engagement and clear SKU navigation.

📌 Conclusion: Structure Tells the Story

✔️ Plinth = makes the SKU iconic
✔️ Riser = creates rhythm and visual pace
✔️ Tray = builds SKU order and trial logic

Great fixture design balances height, weight, and intent. At Samtop, we help brands build scalable elevation systems that optimize shopper touchpoints—from trial to gifting to conversion.