Electronic shelf labels are transforming the supermarket experience, allowing prices to be updated frequently and easily. Walmart recently announced plans to install these labels in 2,300 stores by 2026, joining other retailers like Whole Foods and Amazon Fresh. The labels can change prices as often as every ten seconds, enabling dynamic pricing strategies similar to those used by apps like Uber.
If it’s hot outside, we can raise the price of water and ice cream. If there’s something that’s close to the expiration date, we can lower the price — that’s the good news
Phil Lempert, a grocery industry analyst
Benefits include increased productivity, reduced employee walking time, and faster restocking. The labels also provide detailed product information through barcodes. While there are concerns about surge pricing, experts believe the main advantage for retailers is consistency between online and in-store prices, which enhances customer satisfaction.
Resource: Walmart adopts electronic shelf labels, following other supermarkets. What it means for you : NPR