Supermarkets around the world are moving away from paper shelf labels. If you walk into a Lidl in Europe or Walmart in the U.S., you'll notice digital tags instead of paper slips. These are E Ink price tags, also called electronic shelf labels (ESLs).
What started as a pilot technology a decade ago has become a standard upgrade. ABI Research estimates more than 500 million ESLs will be in use by 2027, with supermarkets driving adoption. For managers, this isn't about keeping up with trends—it's about solving daily operational challenges.
What Are E Ink Price Tags?
An E Ink price tag is a small digital display that shows product prices and information. They connect to a central system, so when prices change, updates appear on the shelf within minutes.
For managers, that means no more sending staff to replace thousands of paper labels. Think of it as “one update, thousands of changes,” done automatically.
Why Supermarkets Are Making the Switch
Freeing Up Staff Time
Updating paper price tags is time-consuming and labor-intensive, often requiring staff to work during peak hours. With e-ink price tag, updates are quick and efficient, freeing up staff to focus on other important tasks.
A mid-sized European chain reported saving 6,000 labor hours per year after adopting ESLs. For managers, this means more efficient scheduling and less reliance on temporary staff during promotions.
Cutting Errors and Complaints
Price mismatches between shelf and checkout are a common source of customer frustration. They also put staff in awkward positions and can lead to fines in regions with strict pricing rules.
E Ink tags pull data directly from the pricing system, keeping shelf and checkout aligned. Managers see fewer disputes at the register and fewer negative customer experiences.
Promotions at the Speed of Retail
Grocery promotions change constantly. Paper tags make this process slow and error-prone. With digital tags, supermarkets can roll out promotions in real time—whether it’s a weekend discount or markdowns on products nearing expiry.
For managers, that means fewer missed sales opportunities and less wasted stock.
Real-Time Inventory Visibility
One of the overlooked strengths of E Ink price tags is their ability to integrate with inventory management systems. Tags can display stock levels, low-stock alerts, or “out of stock” notices directly on the shelf.
1. Faster shelf replenishment by staff
2. Fewer customer frustrations from empty shelves
3. Better alignment between in-store and online inventory for click-and-collect orders
Supporting Online Orders and Click & Collect
Supermarkets now handle both in-store shoppers and online orders. ESLs can highlight stock levels, guide staff during order picking, and speed up click-and-collect preparation.
This reduces picking errors and makes order fulfillment smoother—a clear win for managers under pressure to manage both channels.
Going Green With Digital Labels
Sustainability is no longer optional. Paper labels require printing, adhesives, and frequent disposal. E Ink tags last five to ten years and consume very little power.
By adopting ESLs, supermarkets cut waste while also making progress toward corporate ESG targets. Managers can point to this as a concrete step toward greener operations.
Building Shopper Confidence
Shoppers want transparency. Clear, accurate digital tags build trust, while promotions and discounts are displayed consistently. The modern look also signals that the store is forward-thinking and reliable.
Managers benefit because satisfied customers are more likely to return, and fewer complaints free up staff for better service.
The Bigger Picture for Managers
The adoption of e-ink price tags extends well beyond operational convenience. While labor savings and a modernized store appearance are immediate benefits, the deeper value lies in how ESLs reshape the very architecture of retail management. By embedding digital accuracy into everyday processes, they transform compliance oversight, promotional agility, and workforce allocation into more strategic, less reactive functions.
Most importantly, e-ink shelf labels provide a digital foundation for future innovations—whether it's AI-driven dynamic pricing, predictive promotions, or real-time inventory visibility. In this way, they prepare retailers for the next era of data-driven retail.
