Data Strip Buying Guide
Data Strip Buying Guide
Data strips—also known as shelf edge label holders, ticket strips, scanner rails or EPOS strips—provide a simple and professional way to display prices, product information and stock-location labels.
They are commonly used on retail shelving, warehouse racking and cardboard display units. With several sizes and fixing methods available, this guide will help you select the right data strip for your application.
How to choose the right data strip
Before ordering, consider these four points:
1. Where will it be fitted?
First, identify the surface or shelf type:
- Metal retail shelving
- Wooden shelving
- Glass shelving
- Warehouse racking
- Cardboard displays and FSDUs
- Existing shelf-edge channels
A smooth, clean surface will usually suit a self-adhesive strip. Magnetic strips are ideal for compatible metal shelving and can be repositioned without leaving adhesive residue.
2. Which fixing method do you need?
Self-adhesive data strips
Self-adhesive data strips are a versatile and cost-effective option for permanent or semi-permanent displays. The adhesive backing attaches directly to clean, flat surfaces, including many metal, plastic, wooden and cardboard shelf edges.
Best for:
- Retail shelves
- Warehouse racking
- Stock rooms
- Cardboard displays
- Long-term installations
Once fitted, the clear front keeps tickets securely in position while allowing prices and product information to be changed whenever required.
Magnetic data strips
Magnetic data strips provide quick, tool-free installation on compatible steel shelving and racking. They can be removed and repositioned easily, making them particularly useful where layouts or stock locations change regularly.
Best for:
- Warehouses
- Stock rooms
- Metal retail shelving
- Frequently changing displays
- Temporary promotions
Clip-on data strips
Clip-on profiles are designed to fit particular shelf edges, channels or existing data strips. They avoid the need for adhesive and can often be removed or reused.
Because shelf profiles vary, we recommend sending us a photograph or sample of your shelf edge so we can help confirm compatibility.
3. What ticket height do you need?
The data strip size normally refers to the height of the paper ticket it is designed to hold—not necessarily the total external height of the strip.
POP Display offers a broad range of ticket heights:
| Ticket height | Typical use |
|---|---|
| 26mm | Compact labels and narrow shelf edges |
| 30mm | Small price and stock-location labels |
| 35mm | General-purpose shelf labelling |
| 39mm | A popular size for standard retail tickets |
| 45mm | Larger prices and additional product details |
| 52mm | More prominent shelf-edge communication |
| 60mm | Larger-format product or promotional labels |
| 76mm | Highly visible pricing, information or location signs |
Always measure the height of your ticket and the available space on the shelf edge before ordering.
If you are unsure, send us your measurements or request a sample before placing a larger order.
4. What length do you require?
Data strips can be used as short individual label holders or run across the full length of a shelf.
Our standard options include several convenient lengths, with selected profiles available in sizes such as:
- 110mm
- 145mm
- 210mm
- 500mm
- 1000mm
- 1200mm
We can also cut many of our data strips to a specific length. This is useful for bespoke shelving, retail rollouts, cardboard displays and larger production projects.
Choosing the right colour
Clear data strips provide a discreet finish that works with most shelving and store designs. Selected profiles may also be available with white, black or coloured backing.
A coloured backing can help you:
- Match your shelving or brand colours
- Separate departments or product categories
- Improve the visibility of pricing
- Create a more coordinated display
- Highlight promotional areas
Please contact us if you need a particular colour or a large bespoke quantity.
Where can data strips be used?
Shelf-edge data strips are suitable for a wide variety of environments, including:
- Supermarkets and convenience stores
- Pharmacies
- DIY and hardware stores
- Warehouses and distribution centres
- Offices and stock rooms
- Garden centres
- Cardboard point-of-sale displays
- FSDUs and promotional stands
They can display prices, barcodes, product descriptions, aisle locations, stock codes, promotional messages and safety information.
Quick selection guide
| Your requirement | Recommended option |
|---|---|
| Permanent fixing to a smooth surface | Self-adhesive data strip |
| Repositionable fixing to steel shelving | Magnetic data strip |
| No adhesive or residue | Magnetic or compatible clip-on strip |
| Small price labels | 26mm–35mm |
| Standard retail shelf tickets | 39mm–45mm |
| Larger or more visible information | 52mm–76mm |
| Non-standard shelf length | Cut-to-size data strip |
| Branding or department colour coding | Coloured or backed profile |
How to measure for a data strip
For the best fit:
- Measure the height of the paper ticket.
- Measure the length of the shelf edge.
- Check that the fixing surface is flat and suitable.
- Confirm whether the shelf is magnetic.
- Note any lips, channels or unusual shelf-edge details.
- Send us a photograph if you are unsure which profile will fit.
For larger projects, testing a sample before placing the complete order can help ensure the correct fit.
Why choose POP Display?
POP Display supplies a wide selection of shelf-edge data strips for retail, warehouse and point-of-sale applications.
Customers benefit from:
- Ticket heights from 26mm to 76mm
- Self-adhesive and magnetic options
- Standard and cut-to-size lengths
- Clear, black, white and selected coloured options
- Competitive prices for larger quantities
- Fast UK dispatch on stocked products
- Product samples and friendly technical advice
- Bespoke solutions for retail rollouts and display projects
Still unsure which data strip you need?
Send us a photograph of your shelf edge, along with the ticket height, required length and approximate quantity. Our team will help you find the most suitable option.
Call: 01708 689520
Email: dean@popdisplay.co.uk / ryan@popdisplay.co.uk / amanda@popdisplay.co.uk