Co-op to roll out smart electronic shelf labels across

This is in partnership with tech company VusionGroup, the collaboration marks the largest single-retailer rollout of electronic shelf edge labels in the UK and Ireland.

The move is designed to “improve the customer experience, enhance the transparency of product information, cut paper waste and simplify everyday tasks”.

The electronic labels will display clear and accurate product information to customers, as well as allergen and nutritional information, country of origin and whether a particular product was produced locally.

Labels can also instantly show Co-op member price savings and deals, inventory management can also be improved, and waste associated with paper labels is eliminated.

The new technology plans to be deployed to around 1,500 stores by the end of this year, and to all Co-op stores by the end of 2026.

In the future, the tech aims to simplify everyday operational tasks and “increasing operational agility” so electronic labels can “flash” and show colleagues where items should be placed when stocking shelves.

Co-op head of operations Steven Logue said: “With convenience at the heart of everything we do, Co-op is committed to continually exploring innovative technology that can improve how we operate.

“The electronic labels have the potential to enhance product information and transparency, avoid paper waste, and make everyday tasks like picking online orders easier – improving ways of working, supporting our growth ambitions and enhancing the shopping experience for our members and customers.” 

VusionGroup chief executive of UK and Ireland Roy Horgan added: “We are immensely proud of this strategic partnership. Co-op’s values align closely with our own, and this collaboration exemplifies how technology can foster sustainability and improve the in-store experience of customers and colleagues.

“Co-op’s rollout demonstrates its ongoing commitment to invest in physical stores, which play a valuable role on UK high streets, making a positive impact on the communities it serves whilst enabling greater agility to react quicker to ever-changing market dynamics and customer needs.”