A retractable stanchion barrier system with a flexible RGB display matrix utilizes one or more stanchion units, each stanchion unit comprising a stanchion head, a weighted base, a stanchion post, and a flexible LED stanchion ribbon display which extends from each stanchion head. A computer system governs the operation of the flexible RGB display. The flexible LED stanchion ribbon display may extend from one stanchion head and connect to another stanchion head. The stanchion heads may mount to walls, doors or stanchion posts. Such a system may be configured to be ultra-portable or implemented as a fixture. A method for crowd control and line management using a stanchion display system utilizing one or more stanchion units is also recited.