Asda has announced the rollout of electronic shelf edge labels (ESLs) across its largest and busiest Express convenience stores. The rollout will see 250 stores benefit from the new technology, which will simplify operations for colleagues.
Working with VusionGroup and its partners, Renovotec and HL Display, the rollout follows a successful three-month trial at Asda’s Oxford Road Store in Manchester. The trial saw colleagues freed up to spend more of their time helping customers, managing deliveries and replenishing shelves.
Approximately 2,800 separate electronic shelf edge labels (over 700,000 across the entire rollout) will be added to stores, meaning colleagues will no longer need to manually replace pricing in-store, and can better use their time to meet the needs of customers.
The technology also helps to display allergen information at shelf edge through QR codes, in addition to displaying the cost, weight and unit price of products.
Asda recently announced it will launch up to 20 new Express stores before the end of the year as part of its convenience store opening programme, starting with Castleford on Wednesday next week. VusionGroup was selected for its innovative IoT and data-driven solutions that enhance productivity across the board.
Each new Express store will feature the electronic shelf edge labels (ESLs) from day one, enhancing efficiency and customer experience.
Joseph Sutton, vice president Asda Express, foodservice and fuel, 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 instore operations, we can free up our colleagues to focus on what they do best – serving our customers.
“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.”
Roy Horgan, CEO UK & Ireland – VusionGroup, said: “We are proud to be extending our partnership with Asda as they accelerate their digital transformation. This next phase is a testament to both Asda’s digital ambition and the strength of VusionGroup’s market-leading technologies. By combining ESLs with IoT innovation and data-rich insight, we are helping to transform the in-store experience for Asda customers and colleagues.”
Asda has continued to invest in enhancing the customer experience through the recent rollout of a ‘Bake on the Shop Floor’ model to bring freshly baked goods to smaller Asda Express stores. This new setup involves bringing ovens directly into these stores, allowing them to bake pastries and other products on-site.
