Scotmid and Southern Co-ops commence ESL roll out

The Scotmid and Southern Co-ops have announced the introduction of SoluM electronic shelf labels (ESLs) in partnership with Cambridge-based technology integrator, Herbert Retail.

Initial trials of the ESLs have seen increased store efficiency, improved pricing and product information compliance, reduced paper wastage, and an enhanced team morale.

The technology enables fast, accurate, and confirmed updates in relation to retail information such as pricing and promotions.

Allan Robertson, programme manager for innovation and change at Scotmid, 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.” 

He added: “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.”

Having initially been trialled in two shops, the ESL technology will now be rolled out across 23 Scotmid and Southern sites.

Mark Channen, sales and marketing director at Herbert, added: “Our ESLs essentially give retailers fully compliant digital real estate for the lines that they sell. 

“The label content can be changed based on a multitude of criteria, to facilitate retail productivity such as better waste management on date sensitive items, or perhaps run timely offers based on seasonal trends or excess stock reduction, and of course there is the elimination of constant paper label waste produced by stores.”