Tesco is rolling out electronic shelf labels across its UK stores.
The supermarket giant has announced plans to introduce digital displays in place of traditional paper tags, with the rollout beginning in four locations—one Tesco Express and three larger supermarkets.
The scheme will eventually expand to around 3,000 stores nationwide over the next two years.
The electronic shelf labels (ESLs) will display prices digitally and can be updated instantly from Tesco's central systems, ensuring that prices on the shelves always match those at the checkout.
Kevin Tindall, Tesco’s UK operations managing director, said the technology would help modernise stores while allowing colleagues to spend more time assisting customers.
Tesco has partnered with Chinese technology company Hanshow for the rollout, following successful trials at its Royston and St Neots stores.
Hanshow described the rollout as "a new milestone in digital store transformation."
The company said: "Hanshow is proud to partner with Tesco on the rollout of electronic shelf labels across its large-format and convenience store network in the UK.
"By replacing paper labels with connected digital infrastructure, the project will help simplify daily store operations for associates, enable them to spend more time serving customers, and support Tesco's sustainability ambitions."
ESLs are becoming increasingly common across the retail sector as supermarkets work to modernise stores and reduce their environmental impact by cutting paper usage.
The labels receive updates remotely, allowing for immediate price changes across the entire store.
This helps ensure consistency between shelf-edge prices and those at the till, reducing customer confusion and potential complaints.
Morrisons began trialling the technology last year, and other major supermarkets—including Lidl, Co-op, Waitrose, Asda, and Sainsbury’s—have since followed suit.
Tesco believes the new system will significantly reduce paper consumption across its stores, helping to meet its sustainability objectives.
By eliminating the need for staff to manually replace paper labels, the system is also expected to improve efficiency and free up employees to focus on serving customers.
The full rollout is expected to be completed within two years if all goes according to plan.
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