Are you sick of peeling old grocery store labels off shelves, wrestling with plastic label holders, and manually updating every aisle in your store every time your suppliers’ pricing changes?
There’s a better way!
With a modern system like Electronic Shelf Labels (ESLs), you can update prices instantly, track inventory more accurately, and keep customers informed while they shop — all without manual updates.
But can you afford to implement ESLs in your store? How much do electronic shelf labels cost?
Let’s crunch some numbers and see how ESLs can make a difference for your business.
What Are Electronic Shelf Labels? + 4 Benefits for Retailers
Electronic shelf labels are digital displays that give your old paper grocery store labels a much-needed upgrade.
These small screens attach to shelves and use wireless technology to show real-time prices and product information. With just a few clicks, you can update your entire store’s pricing in seconds, saving time and ensuring everything stays accurate.
ESLs are powered by a centralized system connected to your store’s inventory or pricing software. This means the prices you display on shelves match what’s in your system. No more manual updates. Many models run on long-lasting batteries, and some even have solar-powered options for an eco-friendly edge.
Let’s unpack the benefits of ESLs.
- Saves time on price updates: Manually updating prices can be a slog. Swapping out tags across an entire store takes hours, if not days. ESLs let you skip the hassle by updating thousands of prices in seconds. The time saved is huge for stores with frequent promotions or price changes. Employees can focus on things that matter, like helping customers or keeping shelves stocked.
- Increases pricing accuracy: Shoppers notice when your pricing is reliable. Seeing the same price at checkout as they did on the shelf builds confidence and trust. With ESLs, you can make this happen every time. Consistency encourages customers to return, knowing they can count on your store for fair pricing.
- Adapt quickly to market changes: ESLs make adjusting prices in real time easy. Drop prices on perishable items before they expire, respond to supplier changes, or roll out flash sales without breaking a sweat. Staying flexible keeps your store competitive and your customers happy.
- Boosts sustainability: ESLs tackle waste by replacing disposable paper and plastic labels with reusable digital displays. Over time, this can significantly lower your store’s environmental impact.
ESLs modernize store operations. If you’re ready to upgrade, they are a smart investment that pays off in efficiency, accuracy, and sustainability.
Related Read: 5 Top Grocery Store Technology Innovations To Implement
How Much Do Electronic Shelf Labels Cost?
The cost of electronic shelf labels (ESLs) ranges from $5 to $20 per label, depending on several factors.
Size, display type, and features all play a role in determining the price. For example, a basic monochrome e-ink label might cost between $5 and $8, while a larger, full-color label with advanced features could range from $15 to $20.
While individual labels might seem straightforward, other factors can significantly influence the total cost of implementing ESLs.
Here’s a breakdown of what to consider when planning your investment.
- Type of label (e-ink vs. LCD): E-ink labels are simple, energy-efficient, and perfect for displaying basic information. They’re great for stores prioritizing readability and cost savings. On the other hand, LCD labels shine when bold visuals or supermarket promotional graphics are a priority, offering vibrant colors and dynamic displays. Choosing between the two depends on your store’s goals — clarity or flair.
- Label size and display options: Bigger labels or those with advanced display capabilities typically come with a higher price tag. A smaller monochrome label, like a 2.7-inch e-ink model, might cost around $7. For something more eye-catching, such as a 4.2-inch color label with graphic capabilities, prices can reach $15 or more.
- Installation and setup requirements: A smaller store might manage installation in-house, keeping costs minimal. Larger and more complex store layouts may require professional installation, which can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Factor this into your budget based on the scale of your project.
- Software licensing and ongoing fees: ESL systems usually require software to manage updates. Some providers charge a flat annual fee, while others base their pricing on the number of labels or locations. These licensing fees are essential to maintaining the system but can add a recurring cost to your initial investment.
Related Read: 5 Best Supermarket POS Software Providers: Features, Pricing, & Reviews
- Maintenance and upgrade potential: You’ll need to plan for replacements or upgrades over time. For example, switching to color displays or replacing batteries every few years adds to long-term costs. Keeping these potential expenses in mind helps ensure your ESLs remain functional and up-to-date.
Understanding these factors helps you decide which labels suit your store’s needs and how to budget effectively.
Top Electronic Shelf Label Providers
With so many options, it’s helpful to know some of the top providers of electronic shelf labels. Each of these companies offers unique features and pricing structures, making finding the best fit for your store easier.
Plus, they integrate easily with many point of sale (POS) systems, helping you keep pricing and inventory management on track.
Pricer AB
Best for: Retailers seeking a reliable ESL system with centralized management
Pricer AB offers a robust electronic shelf label system designed to simplify operations and boost accuracy. Focusing on centralized control and scalability, their solution is ideal for retailers who want to stay ahead without the hassle of manual updates.
Key features for retailers:
- Automatic price updates: Update prices across multiple stores in seconds, saving time and reducing errors.
- Customizable displays: Choose between segment and graphic displays to match your branding and store layout.
- Remote management: Change prices from a central system effortlessly, even for multiple locations.
- Secure wireless communication: Keep operations running smoothly using existing Wi-Fi networks, ensuring reliability.
- Integration with POS systems: Synchronize with systems like PDI Enterprise Pricebook, keeping prices consistent between your database and ESLs.
Pricing: Contact Pricer to get a custom quote tailored to your store’s needs.
Solum ESL
Best for: Retailers looking for advanced tech and flexible options
Solum ESL, developed by Samsung Electronics, offers a modern and efficient solution for electronic shelf labels. With multiple label types, energy-efficient designs, and clear displays, Solum combines practicality with high-end technology to meet the needs of various retailers.
Key features for retailers:
- Multiple label types: Includes LED, graphic, and button labels to suit different store setups and needs.
- Advanced wireless communication: Provides reliable and fast updates for real-time pricing and inventory changes.
- Energy-efficient design: Extends battery life while maintaining excellent performance.
- High-resolution displays: Delivers crisp, easy-to-read visuals that help customers navigate your store more easily.
- Integration with POS systems: Supports major retail platforms with cloud-based synchronization for seamless price and inventory updates.
Pricing: Solum offers competitive pricing with options ranging from $8 to $15 per label, depending on size and features. Bulk purchase discounts are available, making it a cost-effective choice for larger rollouts.
IT Retail
Best for: Grocery stores seeking an all-in-one POS solution
IT Retail delivers a powerful point of sale system that simplifies grocery store management. Packed with features to streamline operations, our all-in-one solution helps grocery retailers stay efficient, accurate, and ready for anything.
Key features for grocery stores:
- ESL integration: Sync with electronic shelf labels to enable real-time price updates and effortless pricing management.
- Inventory management: Track perishable and non-perishable items in real time to avoid waste and keep shelves stocked.
- Label printing: Design and print custom shelf labels and product tags for accurate pricing and clear product information.
- Integrated scales: Connect scales seamlessly for precise weighing and pricing, whether it’s produce or bulk items.
- All-in-one POS solution: Combine all these features into a single platform for easier management of your grocery store operations.
Pricing: We provide custom quotes tailored to your store’s specific needs. Use our build and price tool to get started with a clear and transparent estimate.
How To Decide on the Best Electronic Shelf Label for Your Store
Now that you’re familiar with ESLs, how do you decide if they’re the right investment for your store? Here are five key factors to consider:
- Assess your store size and layout: Large stores or those with precise shelving setups will need more labels and potentially a more detailed installation process. Walk through your aisles and identify every shelf that will need a label. Make a list, noting any unique needs, like refrigerated sections, so you can ensure compatibility.
- Evaluate your store’s pricing update frequency: Stores running frequent promotions or adjusting prices often will see major time savings with ESLs. If your pricing is steady, ESLs might not be your top priority. Consider how much time you spend updating prices manually and compare it to how quickly ESLs can do the job.
Related Read: Grocery Store Marketing: 7 Ways To Leverage POS Data - Consider budget and long-term ROI: Yes, ESLs are an investment, but the labor savings and error reduction can add up over time. Get quotes from reputable providers and ask for case studies showing return on investment (ROI) for stores similar to yours. Don’t forget to include maintenance and software licensing in your calculations.
- Gauge customer experience improvement opportunities: Accurate prices and clear product information matter to shoppers. ESLs can display promotional details, discounts, or even stock availability. Think about how you can use this technology to make your customers' shopping experience faster, easier, and more reliable.
- Determine compatibility with existing tech systems: Integration is key. Check if the ESL system works with your current POS and inventory software. Ask vendors about the installation process and whether it includes training for your staff to use the system effectively. A smooth integration ensures no disruption to your daily operations.
Related Read: 6 Reasons Why Your Grocery Store Needs a POS System
How Much Do Electronic Shelf Labels Cost? Getting the Most ROI From Your ESLs
Electronic shelf labels make pricing updates a breeze, help prevent mistakes, and keep inventory in check. For stores managing many products with prices that change often, ESLs bring valuable support to their team and customers.
Once you’ve found the right ESL system, the next move is to pair it with a POS that works hand-in-hand — keeping prices accurate, cutting down on time spent on updates, and simplifying daily tasks.
To see how ESLs and a reliable POS can work together for your store, schedule a demo with IT Retail and discover the impact our tool can have on your business.
