Which sectors benefit most from Electronic Price Tags?
Electronic Price Tags (ESL) offer considerable advantages in almost all areas of stationary retail and beyond. Thanks to electronic price labelling with ESL labels, prices can be adjusted in real time at the shelf, errors reduced and processes automated. In particular, sectors with frequently changing prices or extensive product ranges benefit enormously. We present the most important sectors below.

Industries with particular benefits from Electronic Price Tags
Food retail
Supermarkets and grocery chains rely on electronic price tags to ensure that a wide range of products is always up to date. Thanks to a modern electronic shelf labeling system, special offers and price changes can be implemented in real time - a decisive competitive advantage in food retailing.
Advantages:
- Real-time price updates:
- Automatic adjustment of special offers and discounts
- Always up-to-date price information for an optimal customer experience
- Increased efficiency:
- Elimination of manual, paper-based price tags
- Fast response to seasonal fluctuations
- Cost savings and sustainability:
- Reduction in printing and material costs
- Sustainable use, as less paper is used
Example:
Supermarkets such as EDEKA or REWE use electronic price tags (electronic shelf labels) to centrally control price changes - ideal for products with a short shelf life.
Consumer and home electronics
Electronics stores need to adjust prices quickly to keep pace with the rapid development of technology and dynamic online retailing. Modern electronic shelf labeling systems make it possible to update prices at lightning speed and display technical product information directly on the shelf.
Advantages:
- Fast synchronization:
- Harmonization of online and offline prices
- Immediate adaptation to market trends
- Detailed product information:
- Display of technical details and specifications directly on the electronic price tag
- Interactive functions (e.g. QR codes) enable access to further information
- Improved customer experience:
- Clear and always up-to-date information promotes trust and purchasing decisions
Example:
Electronics stores such as Media Markt, Expert and Euronics use electronic shelf labeling to implement price changes quickly and present customers with relevant technical details directly.
DIY stores and garden centers
DIY stores and garden centers offer a wide range of seasonal products. With an electronic price tag, prices and additional information such as care instructions, assembly instructions or maintenance tips can be displayed flexibly and up to date.
Advantages:
- Fast customization:
- Flexible pricing for seasonal products
- Automated updates ensure that information is always up to date
- Extended product information:
- Display of care instructions and assembly instructions directly on the shelf
- Support for customers in the correct product application
- Optimization of product range management:
- Central control of the extensive product range
- Reduction of manual processes leads to fewer errors
Example:
DIY stores such as Bauhaus, Obi and Hornbach use electronic shelf labels to react to seasonal fluctuations and also offer customers important care tips.
Drugstores and pharmacies
Drugstores and pharmacies benefit from electronic price tags as they can display not only the price, but also important product information such as ingredients, allergens and instructions for use. This transparency strengthens customer confidence and reduces the amount of advice required.
Advantages:
- Extended information:
- Display of ingredients and allergens directly on the shelf
- Integration of instructions for use and storage recommendations
- Efficiency and error prevention:
- Quick and centralized updating of product information
- Reduction of error sources through automated updates
- Customer satisfaction:
- Greater transparency leads to a better shopping experience
- Reduced workload for staff thanks to less time spent advising customers
Example:
pharmacies rely on electronic shelf labeling to make price changes quickly and display important product information for medicines at the same time.
Fashion and clothing industry
In fashion stores, quick price changes during seasonal discounts and special promotions are essential. A modern electronic price tag makes it possible to flexibly adjust prices and at the same time clearly display important information such as sizes, materials and availability.
Advantages:
- Flexible pricing:
- Quick adjustment of prices for seasonal discounts
- Prompt implementation of special promotions without manual effort
- Improved customer information:
- Clear presentation of sizes and material details
- Integration of brand elements and advertising messages
- Efficiency and error reduction:
- Minimization of manual intervention and reduction of errors
- Relief for sales staff for more intensive customer service
Example:
Fashion stores and clothing chains use electronic price tags to drive their omnichannel strategy. Fashion brands can optimally link their store network and online sales channels to create a modern shopping experience. The article from T-Systems may be of interest in this context. This is about a reference with 50,000 fashion tags in a pilot store in the Rhineland.
Logistics and manufacturing industry
In the logistics and manufacturing industry, electronic price tags make a significant contribution to optimizing internal processes. A digitally controlled price tag enables real-time inventory management and supports the labeling of materials and machines.
Advantages:
- Real-time inventory management:
- Central monitoring of stock levels and production materials
- Automated data updating minimizes errors
- Optimization of process control:
- Clear labeling of machines and production steps
- Improved internal communication and efficiency
- Integration:
- Simple integration into existing ERP and merchandise management systems
- Support for planning and reordering through up-to-date stock information
Example:
Logistics companies and manufacturing operations use electronic shelf labeling to efficiently control the flow of goods and identify bottlenecks at an early stage.
Healthcare
Hospitals and medical facilities benefit in particular from the precise labeling of medicines and medical devices. An electronic price tag not only supports price updating, but also ensures that all important information is displayed transparently and securely.
Advantages:
- Improved process control:
- Fast updating of prices and product information
- Support for inventory management of medicines and medical devices
- Increased safety:
- Clear labeling reduces mix-ups and dosing errors
- Integration of warnings and recommendations for use directly on the electronic price tag
- Increased efficiency:
- Relief for medical staff thanks to automated updates
- Optimization of internal logistics and care processes
Example:
Hospitals rely on electronic shelf labeling to make the management of medicines and medical devices more efficient and at the same time increase safety in the patient environment.
Further applications of electronic shelf labels in modern working environments
Electronic shelf label: the game changer for retailers
Electronic price tags are a game changer across all industries - especially where agility, compliance and customer transparency are crucial. While supermarkets or electronics retailers achieve maximum ROI, niches such as healthcare benefit from life-saving precision. With customized electronic shelf labeling, costs can be reduced, errors minimized and sustainability increased, even in complex environments.