Southern Co-op implements ESLs across its UK estate, enhancing operational efficiency.
- Over half a million ESLs replace traditional paper labels across 197 stores.
- Partnership with Scotmid Co-op enables successful nationwide rollout.
- ESLs promise significant cost savings and operational improvements.
- The initiative supports sustainability by reducing paper waste.
The Southern Co-op has successfully implemented electronic shelf labels (ESLs) throughout its entire network of 197 stores in the United Kingdom, marking a substantial shift towards digital operations. This rollout illuminates Southern Co-op’s commitment to integrating technology to enhance operational efficiency and aligns with broader sustainability goals by significantly mitigating paper usage. The ESLs have replaced over half a million traditional paper labels, presenting a modern solution to outdated practices.
In collaboration with Scotmid Co-op, this initiative benefited from earlier trials which commenced at the end of 2020. The feedback from these preliminary tests proved overwhelmingly positive, encouraging Southern Co-op to proceed with the full-scale rollout. This partnership reflects an innovative approach to inter-organisational cooperation, leveraging shared experiences to optimise the deployment of new technology across their combined estates.
The introduction of ESLs is anticipated to save approximately £220,000 annually by reducing expenses associated with paper and printing. The labels offer dynamic pricing capabilities, enabling more efficient management of promotions and ensuring real-time accuracy. This development is pivotal, allowing promotions to be updated instantaneously as stores commence operations each day, and facilitating the display of critical information such as allergens and legal notices.
Pete Treasure, the retail proposition manager for Southern Co-op, highlighted the substantial benefits ESLs provide, which extend beyond monetary savings. He emphasised the reduction in monotony for store colleagues who previously managed paper labels manually. ‘The best thing is that it enables promotions to change over as soon as a store opens its doors,’ Treasure stated, highlighting the operational transformation this technology heralds.
This initiative also resonates with Southern Co-op’s corporate social responsibility efforts. Earlier in the year, members raised £75,000 to support community-based initiatives, demonstrating their ongoing dedication to social impact alongside technological advancement.
Southern Co-op’s integration of ESLs across its UK stores underscores a strategic commitment to technological innovation and sustainability.
