Electronic Shelf Labels (ESLs) are rapidly becoming a vital tool for supermarkets worldwide. As retailers strive to improve pricing accuracy, operational efficiency, and the customer shopping experience, ESLs offer a dynamic solution that allows for real-time price updates and seamless shelf management.
With the growing demand for ESLs, a range of technology providers has emerged, each offering distinctive features and approaches. But who are the key players supplying ESL technology to supermarkets today?
Leading ESL Suppliers
Among the most prominent companies in the ESL market are Pricer, SES-imagotag, Displaydata, Solum, and E Ink. These firms provide retailers with a variety of electronic labelling solutions, often incorporating e-paper displays that mimic the look of traditional printed labels while enabling instant updates through wireless technology.
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Pricer, a Swedish company, is widely recognized for its robust ESL systems and has secured partnerships with major European retailers. Notably, Carrefour, one of Europe’s largest supermarket chains, has collaborated with Pricer across several countries, leveraging their technology to optimise pricing and promotions.
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SES-imagotag, based in France, is another major player supplying ESL technology to retailers globally. The company offers a comprehensive suite of digital pricing solutions designed to integrate seamlessly with store management systems.
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Displaydata, headquartered in the UK, focuses on dynamic pricing and promotional displays, offering flexible ESL solutions that cater to various store formats.
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Solum, a subsidiary of Samsung, delivers ESL products featuring advanced connectivity and display capabilities, positioning itself as a technology-driven supplier in the retail space.
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E Ink, an American firm, is renowned for its electronic paper technology that many ESL providers incorporate into their products, contributing to high readability and low energy consumption.
Retailers and ESL Adoption
Supermarket chains such as Carrefour have publicly committed to ESL rollouts, primarily using Pricer’s technology. Other retailers, including Tesco, Walmart, and Kroger, have begun exploring or piloting ESL systems, though specific supplier relationships are less frequently disclosed.
While ESL technology adoption varies across regions and companies, the trend toward digital shelf labelling is unmistakable. Retailers seek solutions that not only streamline pricing updates but also enhance the customer experience by providing clear, accurate, and timely information.
The ESL market is evolving rapidly, driven by increasing retailer demand for automation, agility, and data integration. Multiple suppliers compete to provide the most effective and scalable solutions, enabling supermarkets worldwide to modernise their operations.
As the technology continues to mature, the collaboration between retailers and ESL suppliers will play a crucial role in shaping the future of in-store retail.