Co-op claims UK’s largest electronic shelf edge label deployment powered by VusionGroup

VusionGroup has ramped up its partnership with Co-op as the roll-out of electronic shelf labels continues across the UK, with the aim of making shopping smarter, more transparent, and more sustainable.

With NFC enabled shelf labels, people can now tap directly at the shelf to join Co-op's membership offering in seconds, unlocking personalised offers, exclusive pricing, and deals.

The new electronic labels (powered by VusionCloud) also: provide transparency on allergens, nutrition, and country of origin; instantly update prices, promotions, and savings; simplify in-store tasks like stock replenishment and online order picking; improve inventory management; cut paper waste by replacing traditional labels.

Currently live in 700+ stores, the roll-out will reach 1,600 by the end of 2025 and every Co-op store by 2026. It marks the UK’s largest electronic shelf-edge label deployment.

David Tyas, Co-op’s Operations Innovation Lead, says: “We’re committed to continually exploring innovative technology that can improve how we operate - with ease, convenience and the customer experience at the heart of everything we do.”

“The electronic labels not only have the potential to enhance product information and transparency, avoid paper waste, and improve ways of working, they can also enhance the shopping experience and make it easier for customers to become a Co-op member and start to benefit from member price savings, promotions and deals, and save on a wide range of everyday essentials.”

Roy Horgan, SEVP Strategy, Marketing & Communications, VusionGroup, says: “Co-op’s innovative use of NFC tags to seamlessly link customers to membership directly from the shelf is just one demonstration of how this technology can transform the retail experience.”

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

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

The awards. which are now open for entries, 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.