Waitrose hits 200-store milestone in nationwide SOLUM powered digital shelf technology programme
Waitrose reports that it has rolled out SOLUM electronic shelf labels to more than 200 stores nationwide. Since announcing the partnership in December 2025, the grocery retailer has continued deploying SOLUM’s Newton Pro ESLs across its estate to modernise how pricing and product information are managed in-store.
Mark Duckworth, Country Manager UK & Ireland at SOLUM, says: “Reaching the 200-store mark is an important milestone, but more importantly, it reflects how retailers are rethinking the role of technology within the store. Digital shelf technology is fast becoming part of the connected retail infrastructure that enables stores to respond more quickly, operate more efficiently and deliver a better experience for Partners and customers alike. We’re proud to be supporting Waitrose as it continues that journey.”
Waitrose says that it selected Newton Pro for its “premium design, reliability and suitability for food retail environments”. The solution enables centrally managed updates to pricing and product information across fresh, ambient and specialist categories, while maintaining the level of in-store presentation expected by Waitrose customers.
As the roll-out continues across additional stores, the programme represents part of its ongoing investment in digitally enabled retail operations.
2026 RTIH Innovation Awards
ESLs will be a key focus area at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards.
The awards are now open for entries and celebrate global retail technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.
Our winners will be revealed at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London on Wednesday, 4th November.
Check out our 2025 winners here.
Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.
In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”
“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”
He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”
Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended our 2025 gathering.
