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Regional Co-ops expand use of digital SEL tech The co-ops say initial trials increased store efficiency, improved pricing and
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product information compliance, and reduced paper waste.
cotmid Co-op and Southern Co-op stores have begun using electronic shelf labels from SoluM, a Samsung-invested company. The retailers have been working with Cambridge-based technology company, Herbert Retail, to introduce a new value layer at the shelf edge. The integrated technology enables fast, accurate and confirmed information updates, in terms of critical and accurate retail information, such as pricing and promotions. Herbert Retail is supplying and installing the electronic shelf labels after initial trials resulted in increased store efficiency, improved pricing and product information compliance, and reduced paper wastage. Allan Robertson, Programme Manager for Innovation and Change at Scotmid, said: “We are always looking at innovation to pick out the solutions that land real benefit for our customers and colleagues. SoluM’s electronic shelf edge labels look great, transform our stores and present our price and product information more clearly to our customers. Our store teams are really loving this – removing the burden of price and promotion tasks and compliance isn’t just a productivity boost – it’s been a morale boost too.” The collaboration between the three businesses started at an event hosted by the Association of Convenience Stores as part of a technology showcase where the trio explored electronic shelf labels and the common collective benefits of the solution. The two retail co-operatives initially trialled Herbert’s technology in two of their stores and have now extended the deployment to take in 23 stores with further installations being planned across the estate, replacing traditional paper-based shelf edge pricing and promotion labels, in favour of digital screen technology. Paul Sargeant, Southern Co-op’s Business Information and Solutions Manager, said: “The new electronic shelf edge
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labels sit beside our strong and continued commitment to sustainability, as well as a drive to offer our customers a seamless in-store experience. “It was great to work cooperatively with Scotmid and Herbert to create an offering of mutual benefit for all. The SoluM electronic shelf edge labels from Herbert really enhance the look and feel of the store whilst giving us the ability to highlight extended information to our customers, such as allergens and country of origin information.” Herbert Retail will be driving forward with the next phase of the rollout over the coming months. Mark Channen, Sales and Marketing Director at Herbert Retail, said: “Our electronic shelf labels essentially give retailers
