British Co-operative Group is replacing paper with electronic shelf labels (ESLs) from VusionGroup in all of its 2,400 stores across the UK. This marks the largest rollout of ESLs by a single retailer in the UK and Ireland. The Co-operative Group is the UK’s largest national co-operative, operating almost 2,400 stores and owned by millions of UK customers. The technology is expected to be deployed to around 1,500 stores by the end of this year, and to all Co-op stores by the end of 2026.
Implementing this technology is set to improve the customer shopping experience, enhance the transparency of product information, reduce paper waste and simplify everyday tasks, including picking online grocery orders. VusionGroup’s electronic shelf labels can display vital information such as allergens, nutrition, country of origin and local production. The labels can also communicate price savings and deals to Co-op customers.
In the future, The Co-operative Group wants to use VusionGroup’s ESLs for improved shelf replenishment. To help fill gaps, digital shelf labels flash, allowing employees to quickly and efficiently find and replenish shelves. Additionally, as many Co-op stores serve as fulfilment hubs for its quick commerce operation, the technology could also be used to highlight items needed for online orders. “With convenience at the heart of everything we do, Co-op is committed to continually exploring innovative technology that can improve how we operate,”, says Steven Logue, Head of Operations at The Co-operative Group.
More British retailers trial ESL technology
Compared to other European countries, the UK is considered a latecomer when it comes to electronic labels. Although the UK’s largest traditional retailers – Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda and Morrisons – have been trialling ESLs in their stores, they have not implemented them across the board. Different their challenging competitor, the German discounters Lidl and Aldi Süd, which deploy ESLs in all countries, also in the UK. As reported by The Retail Optimiser, Tesco is getting serious about exploring ESLs. The leading British retailer is evaluating labels from VusionGroup and Hanshow as part of a proof of concept in selected Tesco Extra superstores and Tesco Express convenience stores.
The regional co-operatives in UK are also relying on ESLs. Both Scotmid and Southern Co-op have been using ESL solutions from SoluM since 2021. Meanwhile, East of England Co-op uses Pricer electronic shelf labels to streamline in-store processes.
