Digital shelf labels (ESL) have long been established in other retail sectors. From supermarkets and electronics stores to pharmacies, many retailers have relied on this technology for years to streamline processes and respond more quickly to market changes. What’s new is that these benefits are now arriving in the optical retail sector — where they are proving particularly impactful.
Instead of time-consuming paper tags, prices can now be updated in seconds, centrally controlled across all store locations. This allows optical retailers to respond faster to competitors’ promotions and remain agile in the marketplace.
An additional advantage lies in loss prevention. In the premium sunglasses segment, it is becoming increasingly common for genuine models to be swapped out for inferior counterfeits without detection. Digital shelf labels increase transparency by tracking product movements in real time and triggering an immediate alert if irregularities occur. Potential theft is identified and prevented before any financial loss is incurred. Digital shelf labels also make it easier to locate individual models in-store. With integrated digital positioning, frames can be found instantly — a major benefit during inventory checks and when assisting customers on the shop floor.
The results at a glance:
• Reduced shrinkage thanks to proactive security features
• Increased sales through dynamic pricing and rapid response to market activity
• Freed-up staff capacity to focus on customer consultation instead of changing price tags
Digital shelf labels are far more than an operational efficiency tool. They are a strategic enabler for forward-thinking optical retailers — and the next major technology trend set to reshape the sector for years to come.
