Major supermarket is testing out a huge change to labels on shelves – and shoppers will be divided
ONE of the UK’s biggest supermarkets is testing a huge change to shelves that will leave shoppers divided.
Asda is the latest retailer to launch a trial of electronic shelf labels – at an Express convenience store in the centre of Manchester.
The labels feature all the normal information you get on a paper one like cost, weight and unit price except all the information is displayed on digital screens.
These digital screens can be updated centrally by staff meaning all the correct information is shown.
Asda is working with French software company Vusion Group to install 3,000 of the digital screens at the Manchester branch.
The trial is running for 12 weeks and Asda has said it will mean staff can spend more time dealing with customers.
The Manchester Oxford Road store experiences high footfall which will help to “stress test” the tech, the retailer said.
The labels will be added to products across the frozen, fresh, bakery, toiletries and alcohol sections.
But Asda shoppers in Manchester are bound to be left divided over the new electronic tags.
Fears have been raised digital labels could lead to “surge pricing”, which sees prices hiked when products are more in demand.
The labels can make it harder for shoppers to spot cut-price items too, as they’re not as visible as the paper yellow, orange or red stickers.
Chris Walker, managing director of Asda Express, said: “We’re delighted to launch a new trial of electronic shelf edge labels, as we continue to invest in enhancing our in store processes.
“This ‘test and learn’ trial will not only help to simplify operations for colleagues in the store, but it will also provide us with valuable learnings that will shape future technology rollouts into stores.
“We look forward to hearing feedback from customers and colleagues on the trial.”
It’s not the first time Asda has tested digital labels in branches, having trialled them at a superstore in Stevenage in 2023.
Chris added: “Asda hopes to continue investing in future technology trials within its Express estate, as it sets out to provide an enhanced in store customer experience.”
Asda joins a host of other supermarkets who have launched electronic labels in stores in a bid to reduce staffs’ workloads.
Lidl said it is rolling out the digital labels across all its stores before the end of 2024 following a successful trial at 35 branches.
Fellow discounter Aldi has already introduced digital screens in its stores.
OTHER CHANGES AT ASDA
The launch of the electronic labels trial by Asda is not the first change it has announced in recent months.
In May, the supermarket chain, the third biggest in the UK, made a huge positive change to its loyalty scheme.
Members signed up to Asda Rewards can now get extra cashback when buying fuel at 16 of the retailer’s forecourts.
In the same month, the retailer exclusively revealed pictures of the inside of a number of branches that had been revamped as part of a £50million makeover.
Asda also changed its logo earlier this year, with shoppers branding the new design “gorgeous”.
In April, the retailer made a major change to its loyalty scheme, with shoppers slamming the move as “ridiculous”.
The retailer confirmed that Blue Light card holders would start receiving less in their Asda Rewards Cash Pot.
How to save at Asda
Shop the budget range
Savvy shopper Eilish Stout-Cairns recommends that shoppers grab items from Asda’s Just Essentials range.
She said: “Asda’s budget range is easy to spot as it’s bright yellow! Keep your eyes peeled for yellow and you’ll find their Just Essentials range.
“It’s great value and I’ve found it has a much wider selection of budget items compared to other supermarkets.
Sign up to Asda Rewards
The savvy-saver also presses on the importance of signing up to Asda’s reward scheme.
She said: “Asda Rewards is free to join and if you shop at Asda you should absolutely sign up.
“As an Asda Rewards member, you’ll get exclusive discounts and offers, and you’ll also be able to earn 10% cashback on Star Products.
“This will go straight into your cashpot, and once you’ve earned at least £1, you can transfer the money in your cashpot into ASDA vouchers.
We’ve previously rounded up the best supermarket loyalty schemes – including the ones that will save you the most money.
Look out for booze deals
Eilish always suggests that shoppers looking to buy booze look out for bargain deals.
She said: “Asda often has an alcohol offer on: buy six bottles and save 25%.
“The offer includes selected bottles with red, white and rose options, as well as prosecco. There are usually lots of popular bottles included, for example, Oyster Bay Hawkes Bay Merlot, Oyster Bay Hawkes Bay Merlot and Freixenet Prosecco D.O.C.
“Obviously, the more expensive the bottles you choose, the more you save.”
Join Facebook groups
The savvy saver also recommends that fans of Asda join Facebook groups to keep in the know about the latest bargains in-store.
Eilish said: “I recommend joining the Latest Deals Facebook Group to find out about the latest deals and new launches in store.
“Every day, more than 250,000 deal hunters share their latest bargain finds and new releases.
“For example, recently a member shared a picture of Asda’s new Barbie range spotted in store.
“Another member shared the bargain outdoor plants she picked up, including roses for 47p, blackcurrant bushes for 14p and topiary trees for 14p.”
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