Currys installs electronic shelf labels in shops across UK and Ireland

Currys has rolled out electronic shelf edge labels (ESEL) across its stores in the UK and Ireland.

The new ESELs replace traditional paper price tags with dynamic digital displays, which Currys said offer customers real-time pricing, clearer product information, and easy-to-scan QR codes for more information.

A centralised system also ensures pricing accuracy and consistency across all channels. The

ESELs are currently available in over 150 stores, with Currys expecting to complete the rollout to all stores by 13 November.

The electronics retailer said the move will improve the customer experience and free up employees to focus on helping customers.

Currys added that the technology, installed in partnership with software company Vestcom and ESEL supplier Solum, will make it easier for shoppers to compare and buy the right products.

The company said that manual paper labelling had become a pain point during busy trading periods.

According to Currys, the technology has already had a positive impact as customers have told the retailer that the stores look and feel smarter and more navigable.

The digital shelf labels have a seven to 12-year battery life, saving “millions” of pieces of paper every year.

“Rolling out digital ticketing across our stores is more than a tech upgrade, it’s a commitment to our customers and colleagues,” said Lindsay Haselhurst, chief operating officer at Currys. “By delivering real-time pricing and clearer product information, we’re making shopping for customers simpler and smarter.

“And by removing the burden of manual labelling across the estate, we’re giving our store teams more time to do what they love: helping customers enjoy amazing technology.”

The move comes after several other retailers recently invested in electronic shelf labelling to improve the customer experience and free up staff time.

Last month, Co-op launched new electronic shelf labels to make it easier to become a member.

Shoppers can tap on the electronic shelf labels using their mobile phone, where they will be taken directly to Co-op’s membership webpage.

The new labels use Near Field Communication (NFC) technology to provide the link, where shoppers can sign up.

In June 2024, Danish discount supermarket chain Netto partnered with VusionGroup to roll out smart digital shelf labels across 550 stores.

US retail giant Walmart also announced it would implement digital shelf labels across 2,300 stores by next year.