Studenac rolls out electronic shelf labels as Croatian grocery big hitter doubles down on proximity retail concept

Croatian retailer Studenac is rolling out electronic shelf labels (ESLs) across its stores.

Studenac, which is owned by a fund managed by Enterprise Investors, a private equity firm in Central and Eastern Europe, has more than tripled its store network in almost six years, expanding throughout the country via a combination of organic growth and acquisitions, and it sees potential for further growth based on its proximity retail concept.

In a LInkedIn post, Ivana Kršić, Head of Innovation at Studenac, said: “A month ago, I was in Omiš (a town and port in the Dalmatia region of Croatia) setting up the ESL prices in the fruit and vegetables section (with the dedicated team, of course, to which I am very grateful).”

“These were the first ESLs at our store network, which we are testing now. Also, I was trying out the mobile thermal printers in person to see how they work.”

She added: “Today (Friday, 19th July), I spent a day in a store in Zagreb, as a part of the initiative From Office to Store and most of my morning went on fulfilling the shelves with fresh fruits and veggies and removing the old ones.”

“I have to notice that my effort wasn't wasted, and the neat and tidy display actually got the attention of the buyers.”

“I am sure that some of you have real studies that can correlate the presentation with sales results, so be free to post them in the comments. I have seen firsthand that it works!”

2024 RTIH Innovation Awards

We’re hugely pleased to announce the addition of Nina Mimica, Chief Innovation and Digitalisation Officer, Studenac market to our 2024 RTIH Innovation Awards judging panel.

The awards celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 winners will be announced at the 2024 RTIH Innovation Awards ceremony, which will be held at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on Thursday, 21st November.

Entry forms and FAQs can be found here. 

At Studenac, Mimica is responsible for the innovation and digitalisation strategy and development using advanced analytics and new product development as drivers for new company growth and value, optimisation, efficiency and customer satisfaction.

WHO WILL BE JUDGING THE 2024 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS?

Nina Mimica, Chief Innovation and Digitalisation Officer, Studenac market

Vineta Bajaj, Group CFO, Rohlik Group

Mike Cadden, Chief Technology Officer, Marie Curie

Peter Waugh, Director, International Digital (EMEA, LAC & AP), Starbucks

Carole Kingsbury, Chief Technology Officer, C&C Group

Christine Russo, Industry Analyst and Retail Influencer

Paula Bobbett, Chief Digital Officer, Boots

Natalie Berg, Retail Analyst and Founder, NBK Retail

Matt Bradley, Director and Founder, Retail Technology Show

Eugene Mischenko, Founder and President, E-Commerce & Digital Marketing Association

Scott Thompson, Editor and Founder, Retail Technology Innovation Hub

Karanveer Anand, Technical Programme Management, Google

Toby Pickard, Global Insight Leader, IGD

Matt Taylor, Technology Transformation Leader at EY, Retail and Consumer Products

Gary Newbury, Supply Chain Advisor and Delivery Executive

Nadine Neatrour, Marketing Director, Selfridges 

Key 2024 dates

Friday, 25th October: Award entry deadline 

Tuesday, 29th October: 2024 shortlist revealed

30th October-6th November: Judging days

Thursday, 21st November: Winners announced at the 2024 RTIH Innovation Awards ceremony, to be held at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London.