The Southern Co-op has successfully implemented electronic shelf labels (ESLs) across its entire estate, improving both efficiency and cost savings.
- Over 500,000 ESLs are now operational in 197 Southern Co-op stores, promising significant annual savings.
- This large-scale initiative began with a successful trial in partnership with Scotmid Co-op in late 2020.
- The introduction of ESLs is expected to enhance convenience by enabling rapid updates to store promotions and essential information.
- Feedback from Southern Co-op employees has been overwhelmingly positive, recognizing the reduction in manual tasks and increased flexibility.
The Southern Co-op’s decision to deploy over 500,000 electronic shelf labels across all its locations in the UK is a significant move towards modernization and efficiency. The implementation promises a reduction in paper usage and printing costs, estimated to save approximately £220,000 annually, reflecting the company’s commitment to sustainability and cost-effectiveness.
This initiative was spearheaded following a successful pilot program conducted alongside Scotmid Co-op at the end of 2020. The trial took place in a Scottish store, where the technology’s advantages were clearly demonstrated, leading to its wider adoption across Southern Co-op’s 197 stores.
The electronic shelf labels have been designed to enhance the shopping experience by allowing instantaneous updates on promotions and including important information such as allergen details, Think 25 messaging, and home delivery options. Such capabilities provide customers with up-to-date and comprehensive product information, thereby improving transparency and customer satisfaction.
Southern Co-op’s retail proposition manager, Pete Treasure, highlighted that the ESL technology has been warmly received by store staff, who previously found the task of replacing paper labels cumbersome and time-consuming. Treasure emphasizes that the new system not only cuts down on administrative tasks but also adds operational flexibility, allowing stores to change promotions as soon as they open each day.
Beyond operational improvements, Southern Co-op members collectively raised £75,000 earlier in the year to support local communities and food banks, showcasing the organization’s ongoing commitment to social responsibility alongside technological advancement.
The adoption of ESLs by Southern Co-op marks a substantial advancement in retail operations, setting a precedence in modern retail technology.
