Asda works with VusionGroup on roll-out of ESLs at over 250 Express convenience stores

Asda is rolling out electronic shelf edge labels (ESLs) across its Express convenience stores. This will see 250 locations tapping the technology.

Working with VusionGroup and its partners, Renovotec and HL Display, the deployment follows a three-month trial at Asda’s Oxford Road Store in Manchester. This saw colleagues freed up to spend more of their time helping customers, managing deliveries and replenishing shelves.  

Approximately 2,800 separate electronic shelf edge labels (over 700,000 across the entire roll-out) will be added to stores, meaning colleagues will no longer need to manually replace pricing in-store.

The technology also helps to display allergen information at shelf edge through QR codes, in addition to displaying the cost, weight and unit price of products. 

Asda recently announced it will launch up to 20 new Express stores before the end of the year as part of its convenience store opening programme, starting with Castleford on Wednesday next week. VusionGroup was selected for its IoT and data driven solutions. 

Each new Express store will feature the ESLs from day one. 

Joseph Sutton, Vice President Asda Express, foodservice and fuel, says: “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 in-store operations, we can free up our colleagues to focus on what they do best - serving our customers.”

“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.” 

Roy Horgan, CEO UK & Ireland - VusionGroup, says: "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 our market leading technologies. By combining ESLs with IoT innovation and data rich insight, we are helping to transform the in-store experience for Asda customers and colleagues."

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

ESLs will be a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards. which are now closed for entries with our finalists and shortlists being announced last week, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering. 

For further information on the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards, please fill in the below form and we will get back to you asap.