Elliptical totems
Elliptical totems are free-standing cardboard POS displays for promoting products, services and brand messages in customer-facing spaces. Their teardrop form gives the display a distinctive shape while keeping transport, storage and assembly simple. Printed on both sides in UV technology on solid GC2 cardboard, they are suitable for shops, receptions, cinemas, theatres, trade shows and temporary promotional campaigns.
| Intended use | cinema, promotion of services and products, receptions, shops, theaters, trade shows |
|---|---|
| Material | Solid cardboard GC2 |
| Printing technology | UV |
| Properties | free-standing advertisement, personalization of each piece, semi-mat printing structure |
| Additional options | pockets for leaflets |
Elliptical totems are lightweight, free-standing advertising displays designed for indoor point of sale and promotional communication. The teardrop-shaped construction makes the message visible from two sides and gives the display a more dynamic form than a flat rectangular board. This makes it a practical choice when the product, service or campaign needs to stand out in a shop, showroom, reception area or trade fair aisle.
What makes elliptical totems practical?
The totems are made from solid GC2 cardboard and printed using UV technology. This allows each piece to be personalised, including short runs and single-unit orders. The print has a semi-matte surface structure without the need for additional varnishing or lamination, which gives the display a clean visual finish suitable for retail and service environments.
Both sides of the totem can be printed, and each side may carry a different design. This is useful when one side is intended for a promotional offer and the other for product information, wayfinding, event communication or brand awareness. Optional leaflet pockets can also be added when the display should hold brochures, catalogues or flyers.
Where are they used?
- shops, shopping malls and point of sale zones,
- showrooms, receptions and service counters,
- cinemas, theatres, cultural venues and entertainment spaces,
- trade fairs, product launches and temporary campaigns,
- gas stations, fitness clubs, hotels and other customer traffic areas.
How to choose the right variant?
The product is available in eight size variants: 40 x 156 cm, 50 x 156 cm, 60 x 156 cm, 70 x 156 cm, 40 x 190 cm, 50 x 190 cm, 60 x 190 cm and 70 x 190 cm. Narrower formats work well where floor space is limited, while wider or taller variants provide more space for product visuals and longer messages. Despite the low weight, from 0.7 kg to 1.5 kg depending on the format, the structure is designed as a stable free-standing advertisement.
After use or between campaigns, the totem can be folded flat to a parcel-friendly size. This helps reduce transport costs and simplifies storage, especially when ordering larger quantities for multi-location campaigns.
Buying and production guidance
Elliptical totems are often chosen for campaigns that need a visible POS display without complex installation. They arrive as a foldable cardboard structure, so they are easy to transport between locations, store between campaigns and set up where the message needs to be seen. On the market, this type of product may also be described as a cardboard totem, elliptical cardboard stand, teardrop display or POS cardboard display, but the main product format remains the elliptical totem.
When selecting a variant, consider the viewing distance, available floor space and the amount of information that must be shown. A compact 40 cm wide totem is suitable for narrow aisles, counterside areas or smaller receptions. Wider 60 cm and 70 cm formats give more space for product imagery, campaign slogans or instructions. The 190 cm height variants are useful when the display needs to be visible above surrounding fixtures or in busier retail and event spaces.
| Variant | Weight | Packed size |
|---|---|---|
| 40 x 156 cm | 0.7 kg | 77.70 x 40 x 0.60 cm |
| 50 x 156 cm | 0.8 kg | 77.70 x 50 x 0.60 cm |
| 60 x 156 cm | 1 kg | 77.70 x 60 x 0.60 cm |
| 70 x 156 cm | 1.3 kg | 77.70 x 70 x 0.60 cm |
| 40 x 190 cm | 0.8 kg | 94.70 x 40.00 x 0.60 cm |
| 50 x 190 cm | 1 kg | 94.70 x 50 x 0.60 cm |
| 60 x 190 cm | 1.20 kg | 94.70 x 60 x 0.60 cm |
| 70 x 190 cm | 1.5 kg | 97.70 x 70 x 0.60 cm |
Artwork and message planning
Because the totem is printed on both sides, prepare the communication for side A and side B deliberately. The same design can be repeated for visibility from different directions, or each side can support a different part of the campaign, for example a product offer on one side and service information on the other. If each location requires a separate message, individual personalisation of each piece is possible.
For best readability, keep the main headline, logo and call to action clear and simple. Avoid overcrowding the layout with small text, especially when the totem will be viewed in a busy retail or trade fair environment. Before production, check that the selected format gives enough space for the required message and that any brochure pocket will not cover important content.
When to add leaflet pockets?
Leaflet pockets are useful when the display should not only attract attention but also support direct customer action. They work well for catalogues, price lists, vouchers, menus, event programmes or product leaflets. This option is particularly practical in receptions, showrooms, service points and trade fair stands where visitors can take printed material without staff assistance.
