Tesco has announced plans to introduce electronic shelf labels (ESLs) across its UK network over the next two years, replacing traditional paper price tags. The initiative will begin in four stores—one Tesco Express and three larger supermarkets—before expanding to approximately 3,000 sites nationwide.
The digital labels will display prices electronically and can be updated instantly from Tesco's central systems, ensuring customers always see the most current prices. Staff will no longer need to manually replace paper labels, which the supermarket says will improve pricing accuracy and boost store efficiency.
Tesco is partnering with Chinese tech firm Hanshow for the rollout, following successful trials at its Royston and St Neots branches. Hanshow described the project as 'a new milestone in digital store transformation' and said it would help simplify daily operations, allowing colleagues to spend more time serving customers.
The move is part of a broader industry trend, with Morrisons, Lidl, Co-op, Waitrose, Asda, and Sainsbury's already deploying digital pricing systems. Tesco's managing director for UK operations, Kevin Tindall, stated the technology would bring stores into the modern age while supporting sustainability goals by reducing paper consumption.
The rollout is expected to be completed within two years, marking one of the most significant technological overhauls in Tesco's recent history.
