Asda to introduce digital price tags at 250 Express stores
Asda is introducing digital price tags to the shelves of 250 of its Express convenience stores, allowing it to electronically change prices.
The supermarket is following in the footsteps of retailers like Lidl and Currys who have adopted so-called electronic shelf-edge labels (ESLs) in shops.
Asda said around 2,800 separate labels will be added, meaning staff will no longer need to manually replace pricing in stores.
The technology also helps display allergen information through QR codes, as well as displaying the cost, weight and unit price of products.
The grocer said the change will free up time for its store workers, such as to help customers, manage deliveries and restock shelves.
It is understood that Asda has no plans to reduce staffing as a result of the rollout, nor introduce “dynamic pricing” – which enables businesses to raise or lower prices in real-time in response to demand.
Joseph Sutton, Asda Express’s vice president, said: “We’re continuing to invest in enhancing our stores, and the launch of cutting-edge technology across our Express estate is proof of this.
“By streamlining our instore operations, we can free up our colleagues to focus on what they do best – serving our customers.”
Asda has introduced the technology after working with retail technology firm VusionGroup, and its partners, Renovotec and HL Display.
The rollout follows a successful three-month trial at Asda’s Oxford Road Store in Manchester.
Roy Horgan, CEO UK & Ireland at VusionGroup, said: "We are proud to be extending our partnership with Asda as they accelerate their digital transformation.
"This next phase is a testament to both Asda’s digital ambition and the strength of VusionGroup’s market-leading technologies.”
Asda is opening up to 20 new convenience stores before the end of the year.
The grocer has been pushing forward with a major turnaround strategy which has included cutting the prices of a range of products in a bid to attract more cash-strapped shoppers.
Mr Sutton added: “With the first of 20 new Express sites set to open next, we’re excited to build on this momentum and to bring Asda’s trusted value to even more communities across the UK.”
Digital price tag technology has been introduced by the likes of Lidl, Co-op and Currys across UK stores.
Co-op has also used the technology to direct shoppers to its membership webpage when they tap the label with their mobile phone.
Last month, fellow supermarket Sainsbury’s also announced that it plans to introduce facial recognition across its UK shops, as it launched the controversial technology in its first stores.
The UK’s second largest supermarket chain informed staff in two stores that it will start an eight-week trial before potentially rolling out the technology nationwide.
Sainsbury’s said the technology is part of its efforts to identify shoplifters and curb a sharp increase in retail crime in recent years.