Best ESL Display Solutions for Retailers Compared

·October 12, 2025

·18 min read

Best ESL Display Solutions for Retailers Compared — Image Source: pexels

You can see more stores using esl display solutions now. In 2025, Asia-Pacific will reach a 75% adoption rate.

AI and IoT help esl systems work better. They let electronic shelf labels update prices and stock in real time.
Big brands like SES-imagotag, Displaydata, Pricer, and Samsung use new technology. They make sure everything works together easily.
You should pick electronic shelf label solutions that match your store. Features, cost, and system fit can change how well your store runs.

Key Takeaways

Electronic shelf labels (ESLs) help stores work faster. They let you change prices right away. This means workers do not have to change prices by hand. Prices are always correct with ESLs.
Pick ESL solutions from brands you can trust. SES-imagotag, Displaydata, and Pricer are good choices. These brands make sure the system works well. Customers will be happy with these brands.
Look for important features like dynamic pricing. Make sure ESLs work with POS systems. Remote management is also helpful. These features make your store run better.
Check the good and bad sides of display types. E-Ink and LCD are two choices. Pick the one that fits your store best.
Think about how ESLs can grow with your store. Make sure they can connect with other systems. This helps your business get bigger easily.

Brand	Unique Selling Points
Pricer	High-brightness labels for outdoor environments
Displaydata	Scalable and highly customizable solutions
SES-imagotag	Energy-efficient displays and advanced security features

Feature	Description
Dynamic Pricing	Changes prices right away when demand or season changes
Integration with POS Systems	Makes sure shelf prices match the checkout system
Inventory Tracking	Connects with stock systems to help manage sales
Customizable Displays	Lets you change fonts, colors, and add badges
Data Analytics	Shows how price changes affect sales
Remote Management	Lets you control prices in many stores from one place
Safety Protocols	Protects your price and customer data from cyber threats

ESL Display Technologies

Picking the right esl display can really help your store. You should learn how each display type works. New technology like AI and IoT lets electronic shelf labels do more things for stores.

E-Ink Pros and Cons

E-Ink is a common choice for electronic shelf labels. Many stores use E-Ink because it looks like paper and uses little power. These displays help save money on batteries. You can read them in bright sunlight, so they are good for outdoor stores.

Here is a table that lists the main good and bad points of E-Ink electronic shelf labels:

Advantages of ESL Displays	Disadvantages of ESL Displays
Instant remote updates of prices and promotions	Significant upfront cost for hardware and software
Reduces manual labor and printing costs	Reliance on stable wireless communication
Eliminates pricing mismatches	Monochrome displays limit visual content
Enables dynamic pricing strategies	Labor-intensive battery replacement
Long battery life due to low power consumption	Staff training required for efficient operation

E-Ink esl systems let you change prices right away and avoid mistakes. You do not need to print new labels every time you change a price. You can run sales with just a few clicks. But, you must teach your staff how to use these labels. You may also need to change batteries, which takes time.

E-Ink displays are best for stores that want simple prices and long battery life. You will not get bright colors, but you get a neat look that fits fancy stores.

LCD Pros and Cons

LCD display technology gives you bright colors and clear pictures. You can use these esl systems to show prices, sales, and even product photos. LCD electronic shelf labels stand out in busy stores.

Check this table to see how LCD and E-Ink electronic shelf labels are different:

Feature	E-Ink Displays	LCD Displays
Energy Consumption	Consumes power only when content changes, leading to long battery life.	Requires continuous power for backlighting, resulting in higher energy use.
Visual Performance	Excellent readability in bright environments, reduces glare and reflections.	Can cause glare and eye strain due to blue light emission.
Eye Comfort	Mimics ink on paper, reducing eye strain during prolonged use.	Linked to digital eye strain and disrupted sleep patterns due to blue light.

LCD esl systems give you more color choices. You can use them for special sales or to make products stand out. These labels work well in places with less light. But, LCD displays need power all the time. You might see glare or get tired eyes if you look at them too long.

LCD electronic shelf labels are good for stores that want to catch attention with color and pictures. You can use them in supermarkets, electronics stores, or anywhere you want to stand out.

Dot-Matrix Options

Dot-matrix display technology is a simple way to show prices and codes. You see these esl systems in stores that need fast updates and basic info. Dot-matrix electronic shelf labels do not show fancy pictures, but they work well for many stores.

Here are some ways stores use dot-matrix esl systems:

Supermarkets, grocery stores, and convenience stores use dot-matrix electronic shelf labels to update prices quickly for many items.
Clothing stores change prices during sales with dot-matrix esl systems.
Specialty stores manage prices for different products using dot-matrix electronic shelf labels.
Pharmacies and drugstores show prices for health products with dot-matrix esl systems.

Dot-matrix electronic shelf labels last a long time and can handle lots of updates. You do not get bright colors, but you get a system that works well. These esl systems help you keep prices right and save time.

Comparing Display Technologies

You want to know which esl display is best for your store. Each type of electronic shelf label has good and bad points. Look at this table to compare how clear, strong, and useful they are:

Feature	LCD Labels	E-Ink Labels
Resistance to Wear and Tear	Durable under frequent updates but prone to overheating	Less vulnerable to heat but may not withstand physical impacts as well as LED options
Performance in Extreme Conditions	Perform well in varied environments, including high temperatures and humidity	Work effectively in outdoor settings or areas with consistent lighting
Brightness and Contrast	Vibrant displays ensure visibility in any setting	Softer appearance, perfect for high-end branding
Color Capabilities	Multi-color options make these labels stand out	E-Ink still lags behind LCD in delivering vivid color displays

You need to pick esl systems that fit your store’s needs. LCD electronic shelf labels give you color and brightness. E-Ink esl systems save power and look neat. Dot-matrix electronic shelf labels help you change prices fast.

How AI and IoT Enhance ESL Display Technologies

AI and IoT make esl systems smarter. You can use electronic shelf labels to change prices right away. You can run special sales and give shoppers a better experience. AI helps you use less energy and keep batteries working longer. IoT lets you control electronic shelf labels from anywhere.

Here is a table that shows how AI and IoT help esl display technologies:

Feature	Benefit
Real-time price updates	Enhances pricing accuracy and operational efficiency.
Flexible promotional campaigns	Supports personalized shopping experiences and marketing strategies.
Seamless in-store digital experience	Improves customer engagement and satisfaction.

You can also see these good things in your store:

AI and IoT let you share data and control esl systems from far away.
AI helps you save energy and keep electronic shelf labels working longer.
Smart analytics help you manage stock and run better sales.

You get more from your esl display when you use new technology. You can make your store work better and help your customers shop.

Tip: Pick esl display technologies that match your store’s needs. Think about how clear, strong, and easy to update they are. Use AI and IoT to get the most from your electronic shelf labels.

Electronic Shelf Labels Features

Color and Readability

You want shoppers to see prices and deals easily. Color in esl display technology helps with this. Many electronic shelf labels now show black, white, red, and yellow. These colors help you point out sales and important details. Wide viewing angles let people read prices from anywhere in the aisle. Labels that look like paper are easy to read under any store lights.

Feature	Description
Color Capability	Shows black, white, red, and yellow for flexible signs and sales.
Visual Differentiation	Makes sales and product features stand out to get attention.
Power Consumption	Uses very little power, so it can stay on all the time in stores.
Viewing Angles	Wide angles let people read labels from many spots in the store.
Readability	Looks like paper, so it is easy to read in any store light.

E Ink Spectra esl systems give you color choices that catch the eye. LCD displays show bright pictures for moving content. E-paper electronic shelf labels work well in grocery stores and show clear prices. These features help stores make shopping better for everyone.

Durability

You need electronic shelf labels that can last in busy stores. Places like the produce section are hard on esl systems. Displays can get broken by carts, water, or rough use. Regular care keeps your electronic shelf label systems working well. You should plan to update software and change batteries every 5 to 10 years.

Issue Type	Description
Physical Damage	ESL displays can get damaged by carts, water, or rough use, especially in busy areas like produce.
Maintenance Needs	You need to do regular care, like software updates and battery changes every 5-10 years.

If you pick strong esl solutions, you lower the chance of damage. Tough technology helps stores avoid extra costs and keeps things running well.

Power and Battery Life

Battery life is important for every store using electronic shelf label systems. Long-lasting batteries mean less time fixing things. Many top esl systems last up to 10 years on one battery. Most coin battery esl systems last about 3 to 6 years. Here is how some solutions compare:

ESL Solution	Average Battery Life
SOLUM Newton	Up to 10 years
Hanshow Stellar Pro	Up to 10 years
Industry Average	3-6 years

You save time and money when your electronic shelf labels last longer. Good battery life helps your other systems work together. Reliable power keeps your esl display technology working for years, so you can focus on your customers.

Integration with Retail Systems

POS and ERP Compatibility

You want your esl display to work with your store’s main systems. Most stores use POS and ERP to track sales and stock. Good integration keeps prices and inventory correct all the time. When esl connects to POS and ERP, you can update prices fast. This helps your store run better and stops mistakes.

Here is how the main parts work together:

Component	Description
Middleware Layer	Lets your retail and esl systems share info, even if they use different formats.
Communication Infrastructure	Uses hub or mesh networks to send updates to every electronic shelf label in your store.
Data Management Systems	Keeps product info, prices, and inventory the same on all systems.
Backend Integration	Connects esl with ERP using APIs and database syncing.

This setup saves you lots of time. Many stores save up to 95% on labor because they do not change paper tags. You also get almost perfect price accuracy, so shelf and register prices match. Dynamic pricing is easy, and you can show real-time stock on your electronic shelf labels.

Scalability

As your store grows, you need esl systems that can grow too. Many stores want to add electronic shelf labels to more shelves or locations. You may have some problems when you try to expand. These can be budget limits, trouble connecting systems, or long setup times. Sometimes, workers do not want to change old habits.

Challenge	Description
Budget Constraints	You may need to wait for money or fit esl into your budget.
System Integration Issues	You might worry about connecting esl to your POS or ERP.
Installation Complexity	Setting up esl can take time and may disrupt your store.
Internal Resistance	Staff and managers may not want to stop using paper tags.

You can fix these problems by planning ahead and picking esl that fits your store. Look for technology that is easy to connect and helps you grow.

API and Software

You need flexible software to get the most from your esl systems. Many stores use APIs to connect electronic shelf labels to other systems. This lets you control labels, update prices, and manage stock from one place. Some esl solutions have open SDKs or cloud platforms for easy setup.

Integration Option	Description
KKM SDK/API	Lets you connect esl to many types of software or systems.
ESL Web Server	Gives you a REST API to manage electronic shelf labels with secure access.
Minewtag Platform	Offers cloud management and open APIs for POS and inventory integration.

You can use these tools to change your esl display and make your store better. APIs help you automate updates and keep your data safe. With the right software, you can manage all your electronic shelf labels from anywhere.

Tip: Pick esl systems with strong integration options. This will help your store grow and keep things running smoothly.

Operational Efficiency with ESL

Automation

You can make your store work better with automation in esl systems. Automated price changes let you update prices for sales right away. This means shelf and register prices always match. Staff do not need to change price tags by hand as much. They can spend more time helping shoppers.

Automated price changes keep checkout prices correct.
Lower labor costs let workers help customers more.
Real-time control stops mistakes with digital price tags.

You connect esl systems to your point-of-sale and ERP systems. This lets you update thousands of digital price tags at once. You can change prices many times each day. This saves time and cuts down on errors. Automated Mobile Robots check product details with electronic shelf labels. This keeps your store running well and lets staff do important jobs.

Tip: Automation in esl display technology helps stores keep prices current and makes customers happier.

Real-Time Updates

Real-time pricing is a big benefit for stores using esl display solutions. You can change prices in all your stores right away. Dynamic pricing helps you react fast to market trends and what other stores charge. Digital price tags update in seconds, so prices are always right.

Fast price changes keep sales and deals matched up.
Real-time pricing helps you react to demand and stock changes.
No human error means shelf and checkout prices always match.

Connecting esl to your store systems makes these updates possible. You get correct prices and better control over your store.

Maintenance

Taking care of esl systems is easier than old price tags. Automation means staff do not need to update tags by hand. Most electronic shelf labels have batteries that last five years or more. You need software to keep digital price tags updated, so you must do software maintenance.

Item	Cost Range (USD)
Gateway	$300 - $400 each
Management Software	About $500
ESLs (per unit)	$5 - $50+
Total for 10,000 ESLs	$61,700 - $102,100

You save money on labor and make fewer mistakes with esl systems. Stores do not need to change batteries often and can update software easily. Good system connections make maintenance simple and fast.

Cost and ROI

Investment vs. Savings

When you look at esl display solutions, you see they cost more at first than regular price tags. But you save money later. The table below shows how esl and regular labels are different:

Aspect	ESL Costs	Traditional Labels Costs
Initial Investment	Higher initial costs	Lower initial costs
Ongoing Material Costs	None	Recurring costs for paper, ink
Labor Costs	Automated updates	Manual updates
Energy Efficiency	Durable and energy-efficient	Less efficient
Total Cost Over 5 Years	Significant savings	Higher total costs

You do not need to buy paper or ink with esl. Your workers spend less time changing prices, so you save on labor. These systems help you change prices fast when the market changes. Using esl also helps the environment because you use less paper.

Total Cost

You might wonder how much esl will cost for your store. Each label costs between $0.50 and $2.00. If your store has 20,000 products, you will spend $40,000 to $100,000 at the start. Most stores get their money back in two to three years. You save many hours each year because your team does not change price tags by hand. These systems also help you avoid mistakes and keep prices right.

ESL systems cut down on labor for price changes.
You save money because you do not buy paper or ink.
Price accuracy gets better, so your store works well.

ROI by Retail Type

Different stores get different results from esl. Supermarkets and big stores get the most because they have lots of products and change prices often. Specialty stores also benefit, especially if they need quick updates or want to show off sales. Stores that connect esl with other systems do the best. You can use this technology to make your store work better and earn more money in almost any kind of store.

Tip: Pick esl solutions that match your store’s size and needs. Good planning helps you get the most out of your money.

Electronic Shelf Label Adoption Trends

Supermarkets

Supermarkets are using esl more than other stores. North America has the biggest share, with over 38% of the money in 2024. Asia Pacific is growing fast because stores want to work better and change prices quickly. Supermarkets use esl display systems to change prices fast and stop mistakes. Look at the table to see how each region is doing:

Region	Market Share Insights
North America	Largest revenue share, over 38% in 2024
Asia Pacific	Fast growth due to retail advancements

Supermarkets pick esl because they must change prices a lot and have many products. These systems help stores be more accurate and save time. Fancy stores also use esl to make shopping nicer for customers.

Specialty Retail

Specialty stores use esl to help customers and make shopping simple. You see esl in stores that sell electronics, health items, and clothes. These stores use esl to show prices, product facts, and reviews right away. The table shows how esl helps these stores:

Benefit	Description
Accurate Pricing	Real-time updates keep prices the same online and in-store
Detailed Product Information	Shows descriptions, nutrition facts, and customer reviews
Dynamic Promotions	Lets you run instant sales and special offers
Interactive Shopping	QR codes and NFC technology give shoppers quick access to info
Informed Decision Making	Helps shoppers choose products with more confidence

Specialty stores use esl to run sales and give more info to shoppers. This technology helps people pick what they want and have a good time shopping.

Growth Drivers

There are many reasons why esl is growing fast in stores. Stores want to work better and make fewer mistakes. They need to change prices quickly to match the market. Shoppers want shopping to be easy in stores and online. Here are the main reasons esl is growing:

Stores want to work better
Need to change prices fast
More fancy stores are opening
Stores save money and make fewer mistakes
Prices can change right away and sales can be targeted
Makes online and in-store shopping feel the same

You get many benefits from esl. You save money, make fewer mistakes, and help shoppers have a better time. Stores use esl display solutions to stay ahead and meet new needs.

Real-World Use Cases

Success Stories

ESL display technology is changing how stores work. Many stores have shared what happened after using ESL. The table below shows three stores and how they got better with ESL:

Retailer	Benefits
Lee’s Discount Liquor	Made work faster and helped customers more by making price updates easy and keeping product info right.
Conad Superstore	Made decisions faster and made customers happier by managing inventory better.
POCO store	Changed how they set prices and gave better service by switching from old labels to ESL.

These stores found that ESL made price changes quick and correct. Staff do not spend as much time changing prices by hand. Customers like when prices are always right and product info is easy to see. This makes shopping better and helps people trust your store.

Note: Using ESL lets you change prices fast when the market changes. It also keeps your store looking neat and up-to-date.

Common Challenges

You might have some problems when you start using ESL in your store. Many stores have the same issues:

Staff need to learn how to use new ESL systems.
Setting up ESL for the first time takes planning and time.
Changing batteries and fixing labels is hard if you have a lot.
Connecting ESL to old store systems can be tricky.

You can fix most problems with good planning and help from your ESL company. Many stores start with one part of the store before using ESL everywhere. This helps your team get used to it. After a while, you will see that ESL saves time and money.

Tip: Ask your ESL company for training and help. This can stop problems and help you get the best results from your ESL display system.

You can choose the best esl display for your store by looking at technology, integration, and cost. Supermarkets often need strong esl systems with fast updates. Specialty retailers may want displays with bright colors and easy setup. You should list your needs, talk to vendors, and plan your budget. Here are some steps to help you get started:

Write down your store’s main goals.
Compare esl options for features and price.
Ask vendors for demos and support.

Tip: Start with a small test before using esl in every part of your store.

FAQ

What is an electronic shelf label (ESL)?

You see electronic shelf labels as small digital price tags on store shelves. These labels show prices, product details, and promotions. You can update them quickly using wireless technology.

How do ESL systems help you save time?

You update prices and product information with one click. You do not need to print or replace paper tags. This saves you hours each week and helps your staff focus on customers.

Can you use ESL in small stores?

You can use ESL in stores of any size. Many brands offer scalable solutions. You start with a few labels and add more as your store grows. This makes it easy to expand when you need.

How long do ESL batteries last?

Most ESL batteries last between three and ten years. You do not need to change them often. You save money and avoid frequent maintenance.

Are ESL displays easy to read?

You see clear prices and product details on ESL displays. Many use E-Ink or LCD technology. These displays work well in bright light and show information from different angles.