Retail Giant Co-op, VisionGroup to Deploy Smart Shelf Labels in UK Stores

UK consumer co-operative Co-op has partnered with VusionGroup to deploy smart electronic shelf labels, Yahoo Finance reported. The electronic shelf labels will replace paper labels in close to 2400 Co-op stores across the UK.

However the Co-op smart stores project will be rolled out in two phases. The first phase will see the retailer shift 1,500 stores to electronic shelf-edge labels by the end of this year. In phase two, the retailer will extend the technology to the remaining stores by the end of 2026.

Boosting Customer Experience

The shift from paper shelf edge labels to digital ones is aimed at introducing frictionless shopping at Co-op, giving customers a better shopping experience . It will also reduce paper wastage, simplify tasks relating to online grocery orders, and make product information more transparent for customers.
From the electronic labels, customers will have access to a wide range of details including allergen information, nutritional details, and product origin. The labels will also display price savings and promotional offers to members of the retailer instantly.
“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 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,” Head of Operations at Co-op Steven Logue said.

Improved Efficiency

Co-op’s new retail technology will significantly enhance efficiency in the UK retailer. With the electronic labels, it will be easier for the retailer to manage inventory in its stores. The electronic labels will come with flashing capabilities to enable staff determine product placement slots during restocking.

The shelf label technology may also make it easier for online shoppers to gather items for their orders. This is critical because Co-op stores operate as local hubs for its Quick Commerce operations.

“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”, VusionGroup CEO for UK and Ireland Roy Horgan said.

Growing Partnerships

The new partnership between Co-op and VusionGroup is part of the retailer’s growth strategy. In March this year, Co-op extended its partnership with Uber Eats for another three years. The partnership with Uber Eats, which started in 2022, has made the food delivery’s Quick Commerce platform available in over 1,300 Co-op stores.

In the next phase of its partnership with Uber Eats, Co-op plans to grow its relationship with Uber’s last-mile delivery solution, Uber Direct. VusionGroup is positive about growing its partnership with Co-op as well as supporting other retailers in the UK.

“Our partnership with Co-op marks a major step for VusionGroup in the UK and Ireland region. We are proud of the growing customer base we have built here since 2015. We look forward to continuing helping physical retailers achieve their digital transformation in the UK and Ireland”, VusioGroup’s SEVP for EMEA Region, Sébastien Fourcy said.

VusionGroup plans to launch other technologies in future. These tech products will simplify daily operational tasks and enhance operational agility in retail outlets.