Lidl GB is shaking up how it displays price, with electronic shelf labels (ESL) to replace paper pricing tags in all stores.
The move is estimated to save over 206 tonnes of carbon annually through paper and packaging reductions, while ink usage will also be drastically minimised.
The technology will also enable colleagues to reduce time spent manually checking and updating paper price tags, allowing them to focus on other tasks such as helping customers and restocking shelves.
The move to ESL follows successful trials in over 35 stores since September 2022. Over two-thirds of shoppers surveyed said they didn’t notice the subtle change, reinforcing the benefit of making the paper saving switch.
The retailer says the trial demonstrated how the modern technology can help bolster its store operations, without impacting the experience of shoppers due to the seamless integration.
“As a discounter, sustainability and efficiency run deep in our DNA,” says Isaac Ekpenyong, Director of Sales Organisation at Lidl GB.
“Making changes to how we operate, no matter how big or small, allow us to enhance the overall experience for those shopping with us. In this particular case, we’re empowering colleagues by freeing up more of their time to dedicate to tasks that directly benefit our customers. But our transition to Electronic Shelf Labels is more than that; it is another step we are taking to reduce our impact on the environment by curbing paper and ink consumption.”
The discounter will gradually introduce ESL into specific sections of each and every one of the discounter’s stores in the coming months, with the full rollout expected to be completed by the end of this year.
Since establishing itself in Great Britain in 1994, Lidl GB has experienced continuous growth and today has over 31,000 employees, over 960 stores and 14 distribution centres in England, Scotland and Wales.