Asda is rolling out electronic shelf edge labels (ESLs) across its largest and busiest Express convenience stores.
The launch will see 250 stores fitted with the new technology, which is designed to simplify operations for staff.
Working with retail tech firm VusionGroup and its partners, Renovotec and HL Display, the rollout follows a three-month trial at Asda’s Oxford Road store in Manchester.
Around 2,800 separate ESLs (over 700,000 across the entire rollout) will be added to stores, meaning workers will no longer need to manually replace pricing in-store.
The technology also helps to display allergen information at the shelf edge through QR codes, in addition to displaying the cost, weight and unit price of products.
It comes after the grocer recently announced it would launch up to 20 new Express stores before the end of the year as part of its convenience store opening programme.
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Each new Express store will feature the ESLs from day one.
Vice president Asda Express foodservice and fuel Joseph Sutton said: “We’re continuing to invest in enhancing our stores, and the launch of cutting-edge technology across our Express estate is proof of this.
“By streamlining our in-store operations, we can free up our colleagues to focus on what they do best – serving our customers.”
Sutton added: “With the first of 20 new Express sites set to open next, we’re excited to build on this momentum and to bring Asda’s trusted value to even more communities across the UK.”
Earlier this year, rival supermarket Co-op unveiled plans to replace its paper pricing tags with ESLs in all its 2,400 stores by 2026.
In August, the convenience retailer also debuted a ‘tap to join’ membership scheme feature on its ESLs.
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