espositore

Espositore is an Italian noun that designates a device or fixture intended to display items. In retail, an espositore is a display unit used to present merchandise and attract customer attention. In museums and exhibitions, the term also refers to display cases or stands used to present artifacts and objects while protecting them. The word can also describe a person who exhibits at a fair or trade show (exhibitor).

Typical forms include espositore da banco (counter display), espositore da pavimento (floor display), and espositore da parete (wall-mounted display). Materials range from glass and acrylic to metal and wood, often with adjustable shelves, removable end caps, and integrated lighting. Security features such as locking panels and tamper-evident mounts are common in public or high-traffic environments. In modern retail design, display units are frequently modular to adapt to changing merchandising needs.

In museums, an espositore employs protective features such as glass containment, UV-filtering, climate control, and adjustable mounts for artifacts. In trade shows, exhibitors use espositore to present brochures, samples, and product demos. The design aims to maximize visibility, accessibility, and protection while fitting the space's aesthetic and branding.

Etymology: The term derives from Latin exponere, to place forth; in Italian, it means display. The word also denotes a person who exhibits at a fair (exhibitor).