Toms Studio POS display Items
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About
Tom’s Studio is a design-led stationery brand based in Frome, Somerset, known for its beautifully made refillable pens and considered approach to sustainability.
They came to ARN Design wanting to change the way customers interact with their products in store. Traditionally displayed behind closed cabinets, Tom’s Studio wanted to encourage a more tactile experience - putting their pens directly into customers’ hands so they could be picked up, tested and enjoyed.
At the same time, they needed a flexible point of sale (POS) system that worked across different retail environments. Stockists needed the freedom to choose which products to display and how to display them, without being locked into a single, prescriptive POS layout.
Services Used
- Product Design
- CAD
- CNC
- Joinery & Carpentry
What We Did
Our role was to design and manufacture a modular POS system that balanced hands-on customer interaction with flexibility, durability and a clean, considered aesthetic in keeping with the Tom’s Studio brand. The POS system needed to be built for repeat use, easy configuration and efficient production.
This is how we approached this project.
Product design & CAD
The project started with product design and CAD modelling, exploring how a modular system could adapt to different counter sizes, store layouts and product ranges. CAD allowed us to quickly test proportions, tolerances and fixing methods, ensuring each display element worked both individually and as part of a wider system.
This stage was key to developing a POS solution that felt refined, functional and scalable.
CNC machining & digital manufacture
Once designs were signed off by Tom's Studio, components were produced using CNC machining. This allows for the accurate, repeatable manufacturing across multiple display units. CNC ensured clean edges, consistent sizing and reliable fit - all essential for a modular retail system that needs to be assembled, disassembled and reconfigured regularly.
In close collaboration with Tom's Studio, materials were selected that balanced durability with a premium, minimal finish - a great alignment with the Tom’s Studio brand.
Assembly & finishing
Final assembly and finishing focused on achieving a high-quality retail feel, with careful attention to detail so the displays would hold up to daily use while still looking good on the shop floor.
The result
The finished modular POS system gives Tom’s Studio a flexible, well-crafted display solution that works across different stockists, pop-ups and retail settings, according to their individual needs and preferences.
By combining CAD-led design with CNC manufacturing we delivered a system that supports the brand’s products and remains adaptable as the business continues to grow.
Since completing this project, we've continued to work with Tom's Studio to make various POS and exhibition display items, and we’re thoroughly looking forward to working with them in the future.
