Apr 3, 2024
Retailers using ESLs to combat shrinking workforce
In retail stores, technology is being increasingly leveraged to enhance customer experiences, improve product availability, and address labour challenges head-on, says a report from ABI Research. It says electronic shelf label (ESL) revenues worldwide are expected to surpass US$6.2 billion by 2030.
“Retail stores incorporate a lot of manual processes. Workers are required to ensure shelves are stocked, inventory is managed, the store is clean, and customers are supported. With a dwindling labour force, retailers are struggling to deliver to all areas effectively. As a result, technologies that remove the time-consuming tasks from associates such as ESLs are receiving strong investment, with many retailers deploying the technology chain wide following successful pilot projects,” says Ryan Wiggin, supply chain management and logistics industry analyst at ABI Research.
Europe has led the charge with ESLs, currently with the highest installed base at almost 600 million ESLs. However, increasing interest in North America is shifting the market, with a higher compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in shipments expected at 16.1 percent.
ABI Research expects retailer spending on advanced technologies to continue to grow over the coming years, with a broad range of technologies finding their niche in particular segments as they tackle the most pressing pain points.


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