Kitting creates seamless retail experiences
For multi-location retailers, creating a unified and on-brand in-store experience across all stores—each with its own layout, lighting, shelving, and signage hardware—can be a logistical puzzle. That’s where kitting capabilities and a customized storefront come in, and why partnering with an experienced commercial printer like AV Graphics can transform how your brand shows up, season after season.
What Is kitting, and why does it matter?
Kitting, from a commercial printing perspective, refers to assembling a variety of printed and branded materials into ready-to-ship sets tailored for specific uses, such as point-of-sale (POS) displays. A well-executed kit can include everything from signage and brochures to apparel, coupons, shelf-talkers, window graphics, and promotional merchandise. For retailers with multiple locations, kitting ensures that each store gets exactly what it needs, based on its unique setup and seasonal goals.
How does professional kitting elevate the retail experience?
Working with a commercial printer experienced in kitting and fulfillment offers several key advantages – for the retailer AND the customer.
1. Customization for Every Location
No two stores are exactly alike. Windows and entrances can differ widely. Some stores use wall-mounted frames, while others feature freestanding signage. Lighting differs, shelf space varies, and recycling programs may influence what materials can be used.
A commercial printer can take a retailer’s store database—including window dimensions, signage hardware, shelving specs, and even local environmental requirements—and customize each kit accordingly. Instead of sending the same one-size-fits-all display to every location, we can deliver a solution that fits, works, and looks right.
2. Seasonal, Swappable, and Sustainable
Retail changes fast. New campaigns, seasonal themes, promotional pushes—all demand fresh materials and fast turnaround. With kitted displays, everything is pre-assembled and organized for quick deployment. For wall-mounted signs or reusable frames, designs can be printed two-sided for easy flipping when the season changes.
Materials matter, too. AV Graphics can recommend eco-conscious substrates that support your brand’s sustainability goals. Consider recyclable or reusable signage options, compostable packaging, or paper-based POS elements that comply with local recycling standards.
3. Everything in One Box
Each store receives exactly what it needs: window decals, counter mats, branded apparel for staff, hanging signs, shelf displays, brochures, coupon pads, and even pens or buttons. Everything arrives labeled, organized, and ready to install—eliminating guesswork and saving store employees time.
When an experienced commercial printer manages the entire kitting process, brands ensure that:
Displays arrive intact and organized
Components are consistent across stores (or branches, such as a bank)
Setup instructions are included
Deadlines are met
Materials align with store capabilities and regional regulations
4. Logistics and Tracking Made Easy
Beyond design and printing, AV Graphics supports clients with your company-specific online storefront to order, handle logistics, tracking, and fulfillment. Inventory levels of components are managed efficiently. Barcodes can be used to reduce packing errors and confirm kit contents. Clients can view what was shipped, when, and where, streamlining communication with store managers and visual merchandisers.
Best kitting practices for point-of-sale
To get the most from a retail kitting program, consider some industry best practices that we follow:
Define Kit Contents Clearly: Start with a Bill of Materials that includes all printed and non-printed components, part numbers, and intended use.
Optimize for Efficiency: Workflows should minimize packing time and reduce movement. Kits should be easy to unpack and deploy at the store level.
Ensure Quality Control: Before anything ships, items should be inspected for accuracy, completeness, and print quality.
Leverage Technology: Inventory and order management systems keep everything running smoothly and enable real-time visibility into what’s in stock, what’s shipping, and where it’s going.
Communicate Frequently: Regular coordination with stakeholders—store managers, corporate teams, design staff, and vendors—ensures campaigns launch as planned.
Consistency builds trust. Customization builds loyalty.
When shoppers walk into a retail location, they should experience the same brand identity. That means colors, logos, messages, and merchandising elements need to feel consistent and high-quality. But that doesn’t mean every display has to be identical. The magic is in blending brand consistency with store-specific customization.
For multi-store retailers, branded display kits are more than just printed materials—they’re a strategic tool. When executed correctly, kitting can reduce costs, save time, improve campaign accuracy, and strengthen brand presence across your retail network.
At AV Graphics, we don’t just print—we partner with you to create immersive, on-brand experiences for every location, season after season. Ready to take your retail displays to the next level? Let’s talk about how kitting can streamline your next rollout. Visit avgraphics.com to learn more.