Clip Strip

A clip strip is either metal or plastic and has strategically-placed hooks. Also known as merchandising strips, these are used for hanging or displaying products in stores. Clip strips are great tools for cross-selling items, such as hair ties beside shampoos or sauces and seasoning by the meat aisle. It’s also practical for advertising deals and promotions, and providing more product information to customers.

What is a clip strip used for?

Edward Spitaletta was a New Jersey businessman who revolutionized the clip strips retail process in the late 1970s. He came up with the idea of using clip strip displays on empty spaces inside stores and shelves to maximize the potential for more sales. He established Clipstrip Corp in 1980 after launching the first clip strip design. Over the years, variations of his original design have come out in all shapes and sizes as his company developed over 1,000 product lines of strip and clip selections.

There are specific hanging merchandise strips designed for heavy and bulky items. On the other hand, a hanging clip strip for lighter items is usually shorter but with more expansive spaces in between to properly support the merchandise. There are also special chip display clip strip racks for impulse-buy items like potato chips.

What clip strip design is best to use?

Some retailers prefer the durability and strength of a metal clip strip, but plastic clip strips are also the go-to choice for practical retailers. The size, thickness and packaging of the product for display will also impact the functionality of a clip strip.

Good clip strip merchandising should also consider the attractiveness of the display that can convert to actual sales. Retailers may apply the tactic for other purposes, such as displaying a stand-alone product because of its novelty or seasonal demand or strategically introducing or marketing special promotions.