We corrected this news item on 31 July 2026. In an earlier version, we incorrectly reported that Lidl was using Vusion in the UK. This is incorrect. Lidl uses SoluM in the United Kingdom. Worldwide, the leading European discounter relies on both Vusion and SoluM as suppliers of digital labels. We apologise for our mistake.
Waitrose is currently rolling out electronic shelf labels from the Korean supplier SoluM. The British supermarket operator of the John Lewis Partnership has now equipped more than 200 of its about 420 stores with the technology. With this project, the company aims to drive forward the digitalisation of its stores. The solution promises to deliver product and price information to the shelves quickly and accurately without the need for manual intervention.
In December 2025, Waitrose had begun fitting its supermarkets with ESLs from the manufacturer’s Newton Pro product range. The technology provider reports that the implementation in the stores is being planned according to local requirements, so that installation can take place whilst the stores remain open. The roll-out to further outlets will continue accordingly.
This move confirms that the roll-out of digital price labelling is continuing to gain momentum also in the United Kingdom. According to estimates by The Retail Optimiser, Vusion and Hanshow are in a neck-and-neck race among providers of this technology in the UK, with around 4,000 stores each set to be fitted with the labels or already equipped with them.
Vusion and Hanshow neck and neck in the UK
Morrisons is currently in the process of fitting all its stores with Vusion labels. Asda is also rolling out digital shelf labels from the Paris-based company, initially in its approximately 250 Express stores. The Retail Optimiser reported. The Co-operative Group, which operates throughout the UK and is headquartered in Manchester, is also relying on Vusion for all its 2,400 branches. Hanshow has fitted the 1,086 Aldi Süd stores in the UK with digital labels and recently secured a contract from market leader Tesco to supply ESLs for all of its approximately 3,000 Tesco stores in the United Kingdom. The Retail Optimiser reported.
Lidl relies on SoluM in its approximately 1,020 stores in Great Britain. SoluM also supplies the regional Lincolnshire Co-op in the UK – as reported by The Retail Optimiser – as well as Scotmid and Southern Co-op. Outside the UK, SoluM’s customers include Aldi Nord in Belgium, Lidl in selected international markets, Rossmann with some of its branches, the Rewe Group with Billa in Austria and, most recently, Kölln Zoo.
LED flashing light attracts attention
The displays from the Newton Pro product family, which Waitrose has opted for, are available in a wide range of sizes from 1.6 to 12.2 inches, equivalent to around 4 to 30 cm. They can display up to six colours, including black, white, red and yellow. Compared with the previous generation, the Newton Pro labels are said to have a tenfold increase in update speed, which should enable price changes in real time. The manufacturer promises minimal maintenance requirements for the labels and a service life of more than ten years for the built-in batteries.
A built-in LED signal light, which can flash in seven different colours, is designed to draw customers’ attention to special offers. When used in conjunction with a customer app, the flashing light can also help customers find a specific item on the shelf more quickly.
Labels communicate via NFC
The labels can communicate with apps on mobile devices via a built-in NFC chip. This enables staff, for example, to check stock levels, or allows customers to access additional product information, vouchers or promotional content with a simple tap on their smartphone. The store operator can use the ESLs fitted with this technology as a marketing channel and to analyse shopping behaviour.
