This week on Modern Work Mondays, Nolan and Jeff discuss the growing adoption of Electronic Shelf Labels (ESLs) in retail. Popular in Europe for years, these digital tools are now making their way to North America. Nolan and Jeff dive into what this growing trend means for frontline workers.

What are Electronic Shelf Labels?

Electronic Shelf Labels, or ESLs, are digital displays placed on store shelves that replace traditional paper price tags. These labels can provide real-time information, such as product pricing, inventory status, and promotional messages, without the need for manual updates.

What do ESLs mean for frontline workers?

ESLs offer more than just labor savings – they bring significant improvements in efficiency and accuracy. From speeding up e-commerce fulfillment to reducing the need for manual labeling, ESLs streamline operations and reduce costly mistakes.

The connection between ESLs and labor challenges is clear, tasks like replacing paper tags and managing product inventory manually consume valuable time and resources. With ESLs, these tasks become digital, making it easier to respond to perishable products, improve pricing accuracy, and better engage customers.

What’s next for ESL?

The big question is whether retailers will adopt ESLs broadly, and a lot of that comes down to cost. But as Nolan and Jeff agree, the potential benefits – time savings, cost reductions, new marketing opportunities, and an improved shopping experience – make it a win-win for everyone.