LED display above the shelf (Header LED Screen)

An over-shelf LED display – also known as a header LED screen – is the main digital screen mounted at the top of a retail shelf, just above the shelves. It serves as a striking header for the shelf , attracting customers from a distance and highlighting the products on display. This type of display is characterized by high brightness, dynamic content presentation, and a slim design that complements the aesthetics of modern stores. It provides additional, interactive advertising space on the shelf, allowing for creative marketing campaigns without taking up more space.

Marketing Features and Applications

The main LED display mounted above the shelf (at the top) and narrow LED shelf displays on the edges of the shelves below create a coherent communication platform in the store.

The main purpose of an LED header screen is to present advertising and promotional content in a way that immediately grabs attention. Placed at the top of a shelf, this display perfectly highlights brand logos , short video spots, animated graphics, or rotating promotional messages. Thanks to high resolution and vibrant colors, the displayed images and videos are clear and visible even from a distance, effectively distinguishing a given section of the store. This dynamic header acts as an electronic sign, encouraging customers to come closer and familiarize themselves with the products on the shelf.

In the context of visual marketing, an LED header display is a modern digital signage tool. It allows for the creation of engaging campaigns without the use of traditional printed materials. Retailers can update displayed content in real time – for example, by instantly launching a product-of-the-day ad or changing the price and graphics for a limited promotional offer. Eye-catching animations and videos on the header screen not only convey promotion information but also build brand ambiance and enhance the store's appeal. This improves the shopping experience for customers , who are more likely to stop by the shelves, which can translate into increased sales.

Synchronization with LED shelf displays

One of the system's key advantages is the ability to synchronize the main header display with a series of smaller LED shelf displays mounted directly next to the products. All screens can be managed centrally, allowing content displayed above the shelf and on its edges to complement each other. For example, the header display can display an animated brand logo or advertising spot, while LED strips on individual shelves display prices, product names, or short descriptions. This coordination creates a coherent marketing message and reinforces the promotional message throughout the entire shelf.

In practice, CMS (Content Management System) digital signage systems allow for simultaneous control of multiple displays. Using a single interface, content can be updated on shelf and header displays simultaneously —even across multiple store locations. This centralized control simplifies in-store information management, saving time and eliminating errors (e.g., price or promotion mismatches). Multi-screen synchronization also opens up creative possibilities—animation can seamlessly transition from the header screen to the shelf displays, and messages can respond to user actions in real time. All of this allows above-shelf and on-shelf LED displays to function as a single, synchronized advertising and information ecosystem.

Available dimensions and specifications

LED header displays are available in various variants, allowing you to adjust the device to the width of the shelf and the desired content display area:

• Available widths: 64 cm, 96 cm and 128 cm – they cover both narrower shelves and wider shopping gondolas.

• Available heights: 32 cm or 48 cm – depending on your needs, you can choose a lower screen (narrower display strip) or a higher, more eye-catching header.

• Pixel pitch (resolution): P2, P1.86, or P1.53 – the lower the "P" value, the denser the LEDs, resulting in higher image resolution. The smallest pixels (P1.53) ensure excellent sharpness even at very close range, ideal for retail environments where customers approach the screens.

• GOB protection technology: ( Glue-on-Board ) – all header display variants are made in GOB technology, i.e. covered with a special layer of transparent epoxy resin that protects the delicate LED diodes.

Design advantages and GOB technology

The LED header display is designed for the demanding retail environment. Every element of the design is designed to ensure reliability, durability, and ease of use :

• Slim, lightweight housing: The screen has a thin profile and low weight, so it doesn't add any bulk to the shelf structure and blends aesthetically into the store space. Its modern design means the device doesn't visually dominate the surroundings while providing a large display area.

• Easy installation: The design allows for quick installation of the module above the shelf – typically using special mounting brackets compatible with standard retail shelving or magnetic systems for easy installation. The screen can be mounted either to the metal structure of the shelving, or to a wall or strip above the shelf, depending on the store layout. Assembly and disassembly are simple, facilitating servicing or display changes.

• Flexible power and control: The display supports a variety of content delivery methods, from built-in media players to network connectivity (Wi-Fi/LAN) or USB/HDMI. This allows for convenient adaptation of the screen's control method to the store's infrastructure. It can operate in synchronous or asynchronous modes , meaning the display can display content in full synchronization with others (e.g., within a single image distributed across multiple screens) or operate independently, uploading its assigned content locally.

A crucial design element is the protection of the diodes using GOB (Glue-on-Board) technology . In traditional LED screens, exposed SMD diodes are susceptible to damage from dust, moisture, or accidental touch. GOB eliminates this problem by coating the module's surface with a transparent resin, creating a uniform protective coating. This coating effectively protects the LEDs from external factors (e.g., dust, moisture) and from impacts and abrasions, which is crucial in high-traffic retail environments. Additionally, the resin layer acts as an anti-reflective filter, reducing reflections from store lighting, improving screen readability from various angles . GOB technology also translates into lower maintenance requirements : the screens do not require frequent cleaning of the delicate LED surfaces, and any dust can be easily wiped off the smooth coating.

As a result, thanks to GOB, LED header displays are characterized by above-average durability and reliability . The risk of dead pixels is minimized, and the screen maintains its full brightness and color throughout its lifespan. This is an investment that ensures long-term, trouble-free operation – even in heavily used retail spaces.

Benefit Summary

The main LED display above the shelf combines the advantages of classic shelf advertising with modern digital technology. Its key advantages from a retail perspective include:

• Increased visibility and attention: A bright, colorful display at the top of the shelf effectively attracts customers' attention, highlighting the product area and encouraging them to stop.

• Dynamic content presentation: The ability to display animated graphics, videos, and changing messages allows for creative marketing campaigns and quick adaptation of the message to the promotional strategy.

• Consistent communication across the entire shelf: Synchronization with LED strips on the shelves ensures a consistent message – from the headline to the price tags – which increases the professionalism of the presentation and makes it easier for customers to receive information.

• High resolution and image quality: Dense pixel spacing (up to ~1.5 mm) guarantees sharp images even at close range, making both graphics and text (e.g. advertising slogans) legible and visually attractive.

• Durability and reliability: GOB technology and solid construction protect the screen from damage and wear, making it resistant to store conditions (contact with customers, long hours of work, temperature changes).

• Easy installation and operation: A simple mounting system and support for remote content management make the implementation of such a screen easy, and daily operation is limited to updating the content via convenient software.

An LED display mounted above the shelf elevates the visual presentation of products . It transforms traditional store shelves into interactive, attention-grabbing information and advertising hubs . In an era of fierce competition for customer attention, this modern solution can make a store's offerings stand out from the crowd, increase customer engagement, and ultimately, boost sales.

Technical specifications of the above-shelf LED displays

The table below presents the technical data of the main LED display mounted above the shelf (so-called header screen ), in three widths (64 cm, 96 cm, 128 cm), two heights (32 cm and 48 cm) and three pixel pitches (P2, P1.86, P1.53).