Co-op partners with VusionGroup to roll-out electronic shelf labels in 2,400 stores

The Co-op has partnered with digital experts, VusionGroup, to replace paper shelf edge labels in store with electronic equivalents, to “improve the customer shopping experience, enhance the transparency of product information, cut paper waste and simplify everyday tasks including picking online grocery orders,” it says.

The roll-out will see the innovative technology across its near 2,400 stores. The new electronic labels will enhance clear, accurate and transparent product information available to customers, can display vital allergen information, nutritional information, country of origin or whether an item is produced locally. It can also support improved inventory management, while eliminating the paper waste associated with traditional paper labels.

The labels can also instantly communicate Co-op member price savings, deals and savings.

Steven Logue, Co-op’s head of operations, said: “With convenience at the heart of everything we do, Co-op is committed to continually exploring innovative technology that can improve how we operate. The electronic labels have the potential to enhance product information and transparency, avoid paper waste and make everyday tasks like picking online orders easier - improving ways of working, supporting our growth ambitions and enhancing the shopping experience for our members and customers.”

Roy Horgan, CEO UK and Ireland at VusionGroup, added: “Co-op’s values align closely with our own, and this collaboration exemplifies how technology can foster sustainability and improve the in-store experience of customers and colleagues.

Future applications of the tech include simplifying everyday operational tasks and increasing operational agility. With the electronic labels able to ‘flash’, they can show colleagues where items should be placed when stocking shelves. Plus, as Co-op stores act as fulfilment hubs in the local community for its market leading Quick Commerce operation, the technology could highlight items required for a customer’s online grocery order, making picking orders quicker and easier.