Richard J. George, Ph.D.

Grocery Chains Test RFID-based Electronic Shelf Labels

April 13, 2009

FROM RETAILWIRE:
Two U.S. grocery-store chains are trialing an electronic shelf label (ESL) system, developed by Altierre, to help stores avoid using millions of paper labels annually and gain many operational benefits. Where do you see the progress of electronic shelf label technology?      [more...]

As noted by previous contributors, technology is great when it works. This article focuses on the high tech challenges of the system. While these issues are being addressed, we should not lose sight of the customer and the benefits the system offers to them. The product recall notification option is huge. Consumers still have a tendency to distrust food retailers when it comes to electronic pricing. Providing additional consumer benefits will go a long way to gaining customer acceptance.