Scotmid Co-op and Southern Co-op are to introduce electronic shelf labels (ESLs) across more stores in their respective estates following a successful trial of the technology.
The two co-operatives initially trialled ESLs in two of their stores and have now extended the deployment to 23 stores with further installations being planned. Cambridge based technology integrator, Herbert Retail will be rolling out the next phase over the coming months.
The ESLs, which are manufactured by Samsung-invested company SoluM, replace traditional paper-based shelf edge pricing and promotion labels, in favour of digital screen technology. The integrated technology allows for fast, accurate and confirmed information updates, in terms of critical and accurate retail information such as pricing and promotions.
The collaboration between the two co-operatives and Herbert Retail began at an event hosted by the Association of Convenience Stores as part of a technology showcase where the trio explored electronic shelf labels and the common collective benefits of the solution such as price compliance.
According to the co-ops, initial trials have already seen “increased store efficiency, improved pricing and product information compliance, reduced paper wastage and an enhanced store team morale”.
Programme manager for innovation and change at Scotmid Allan Robertson said: ”We are always looking at innovation to pick out the solutions that land real benefit for our customers and colleagues. SoluM’s Electronic Shelf Edge Labels look great, transform our stores and present our price and product information more clearly to our customers. Our store teams are really loving this - removing the burden of price and promotion tasks and compliance isn’t just a productivity boost - it’s been a morale boost too!”
Southern Co-op’s business information and solutions manager Paul Sargeant said: “The new ESLs sit beside our strong and continued commitment to sustainability as well as a drive to offer our customers a seamless in store experience.
“It was great to work cooperatively with Scotmid and Herbert to create an offering of mutual benefit for all. The SoluM ESLs from Herbert really enhance the look and feel of the store whilst giving us the ability to highlight extended information to our customers, such as allergens and country of origin information.”
For more on in-store technology and to hear from Southern Co-op retailer Richard Inglis about introducing technology, check out The Convenience Mix Podcast.
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