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Electronic Shelf Labels: A Brief History + Benefits

Electronic Shelf Labels, or ESLs, have grown into a 1.5 billion-dollar industry. With the growing conversation surrounding the supply chain, these labels could be a major asset for your store’s inventory system.

Here’s a rundown of the three generations of ESLs produced so far:

FIRST GENERATION

Initially rolled out in the early 90s, the first ESL used technology that looked more like a calculator. They used LCD screens and had limited room for information, so they were primarily used to show only the price. The initial hangups with this iteration involved the speed the data updates and the need for a power source for the screens. 

SECOND GENERATION

The next version of ESL the tech improved on the downside of its predecessor. Using E-paper, the second generation allowed for a better display of the data. Additionally, E-paper uses infrared communication like the first generation but added the option of radio communication. The latter improved transmission time for the tag updates. 

THIRD GENERATION

This is the current generation of ESL. While the fact that these labels use the same E-paper and radio communication as the second generation, these largely improve the use of the tech and integrate more.

They have the ability to use digital signage, people counters, and electronic article surveillance which can combat theft. If this doesn’t seem like much, consider the ability retailers have to hyper-target customers based on their precise location within the store. 

Benefits of Electronic Shelf Labels

“The first Friday morning after the ESL installation, I walked into the store and saw the sale [batch] pricing already done when we turned the lights on for business, that is when I knew this was the right decision.” – Owner, Lincoln Market Manhattan Ave. (Brooklyn) 

The benefits of incorporating an ESL system in your store go beyond marketing. You can integrate the tech with your back-end software, and ensure real-time stock information is available for you and your customers.

This makes it easier to stock shelves, combat shrink, order efficiently, and run an optimized store! 

STCR has installed Vusion ESLs throughout New York metro, Boston metro, the Mid-Atlantic states and for grocers all throughout the Northeast.

Check out what a few happy customers had to say about ESL’s impact on their stores below:

“The first Friday morning after the ESL installation, I walked into the store and saw the sale [batch] pricing already done when we turned the lights on for business, that is when I knew this was the right decision.”

– Owner, Lincoln Market on Manhattan Ave. (Brooklyn, NY) 

“Electronic shelf tags have erased the time it took to put price stickers on items, price changes are now instantly and seamlessly completed.”

– Gregg, Lincoln Market on Manhattan Ave. (Brooklyn, NY) 

Ready to integrate Electronic Shelf Labels in your store?  STCR has big plans to roll out the Vusion ESL product across North America as the need from grocers continues to rise.

Speak to a representative today or learn more by checking out the webinars with hosted with the Vusion team below ⬇️.