Waitrose has now completed the rollout of SOLUM’s Electronic Shelf Labels (ESLs) to over 200 of its UK stores as it continues with its store modernisation programme. 

The supermarket announced its partnership with SOLUM back in December, deploying the ESL solution across its UK store estate to automate pricing updates and allow its Partners to spend more time focusing on customer service.

The move has allowed Waitrose to modernise how pricing and product information are managed at the shelf-edge, replacing paper labels with centrally managed digital displays to create faster, accurate and more consistent prices across the the store. 

“Reaching the 200-store mark is an important milestone, but more importantly, it reflects how retailers are rethinking the role of technology within the store,” Mark Duckworth, Country Manager UK&I at SOLUM, commented.

As retailers continue to invest in technology that improves operational agility and enhances the in-store experience, ESLs are becoming an increasingly important part of modern store infrastructure. For Waitrose, the rollout supports more efficient day-to-day store operations as well as allowing Partners to spend more time supporting customers on the shop floor. 

“Digital shelf technology is fast becoming part of the connected retail infrastructure that enables stores to respond more quickly, operate more efficiently and deliver a better experience for Partners and customers alike,” Duckworth continued.

The milestone with Waitrose comes as SOLUM announced last month that WHSmith will use its ESLs to support its Heathrow flagships. Rolling out across WHSmith’s stores at Heathrow’s T3, 4 and 5 as well as its wider travel network, the ESLs will strengthen pricing accuracy, improve shelf-edge communication and support more efficient store operations.

“Our focus is on making every journey better by bringing together all of the essentials travellers need in one place,” said Heidi Reynolds, Retail Director at WHSmith.

“As we continue to evolve our offer, ESL solutions help us support a clearer and more intuitive customer experience while enabling colleagues to operate more efficiently in busy travel environments,” Reynolds added.