Changes are in store, as Co-op has announced it is tapping into its new Electronic Shelf Labels (ESLs), to make becoming a member and accessing member benefits and price savings even easier for shoppers
The retailer’s new ESLs in-store invite shoppers to ‘tap to join’ and become a member of Co-op, quickly and easily.
The Co-op has partnered with VusionGroup to replace paper shelf edge labels in store with the new ESLs, a move designed to improve the customer shopping experience, enhance the transparency of product information (such as allergen and nutritional information or country of origin), improve inventory management and cut paper waste associated with traditional labels. ESLs can also simplify everyday store tasks including stock replenishment and picking online grocery orders.
Innovative Near Field Communication (NFC) technology utilised on the electronic shelf edge label directs the shopper to Co-op’s membership webpage via their own phone, where they can simply sign-up and start to save on a wide range of everyday essentials. They can also instantly communicate the latest price savings, deals and savings.
The new labels are now in over 700 Co-op stores and are expected to be rolled-out to more than 1,600 of the retailer’s stores by the year end, and in all stores during 2026 - the UK’s widest rollout of this technology.
David Tyas, Co-op’s operations innovation lead, said: “Co-op is committed to continually exploring innovative technology that can improve how we operate - with ease, convenience and the customer experience at the heart of everything we do.
“The electronic labels can also enhance the shopping experience and make it easier for customers to become a Co-op member and start to benefit from member price savings, promotions and deals.”
Roy Horgan, CEO UK & Ireland at VusionGroup, said: “We’re proud to be partnering with the Co-op to give UK customers access to the benefits of ESLs and technology for the physical store. Co-op’s innovative use of NFC tags to seamlessly link customers to the benefits of membership directly from the shelf is just one demonstration of how this technology can transform the retail experience.
“With other applications across the supply chain and customer journey - for customers and associates - this rollout is an important step in what we expect will be a broader industry transformation.”
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