British co-operative Co-op has initiated a collaboration with digitalisation solutions provider VusionGroup to transition to electronic shelf-edge labels (ESLs) across its stores.
The retailer will implement the technology in 1,500 stores by the end of 2025 and extend it to all its locations by the end of 2026.
The initiative enhances customer experience, providing more transparent product information while reducing paper waste.
ESLs offer customers clear and accurate product details, including allergen and nutritional information, country of origin and local production status.
The labels also contribute to better inventory management and eliminate the environmental impact of paper label waste.
The new system enables instant updates on Co-op member discounts and promotional offers.
Co-op operations head Steven Logue stated: “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.”
The electronic labels comes with the ability to flash, assisting staff in identifying where products should be placed during restocking.
The technology could expedite the process of gathering items for online grocery orders as Co-op stores serve as local hubs for its leading quick commerce operations.
VusionGroup UK & Ireland CEO Roy Horgan stated: “Co-op’s rollout demonstrates its ongoing commitment to invest in physical stores which play a valuable role on UK high streets, making a positive impact in the communities it serves whilst enabling greater agility to react quicker to ever-changing market dynamics and customer needs.”
In March 2025, Co-op renewed its partnership with Uber Eats for an additional three years up to 2027, continuing a collaboration which began in 2022.
