The Global Electronic Shelf Label (ESL) for Department Stores and Supermarket Market was valued at USD 932.80 Million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 1484.72 Million by 2032, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.30% during the forecast period (2023–2032). This expansion is fueled by the rising demand for real-time pricing updates, operational efficiency in retail environments, and the integration of digital technologies to enhance customer experiences in department stores and supermarkets worldwide. Additionally, the North America market, valued at USD 265.65 Million in 2023, is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.54% from 2025 through 2032, driven by advanced retail automation and e-commerce synergies.
As the retail sector evolves with digital transformation and customer-centric strategies, attention turns to the leading providers of electronic shelf labels that streamline inventory management, reduce labor costs, and enable dynamic pricing. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Electronic Shelf Label (ESL) Industry—a blend of technology pioneers, display innovators, and system integrators revolutionizing how retailers operate in physical stores.
🔟 1. SES-imagotag (BOC)
Headquarters: Nanterre, France
Key Offering: Vusion System ESLs with e-paper displays and cloud-based management
SES-imagotag stands as a global leader in ESL solutions, powering over 24,000 stores across 50 countries with its Vusion platform. The company focuses on seamless integration for supermarkets and department stores, offering energy-efficient labels that update prices and product info in real-time, thereby minimizing errors and boosting productivity. Their solutions support both LCD and e-paper technologies, catering to diverse retail needs from small chains to large hypermarkets.
Innovation Initiatives:
- Advanced electronic ink displays for low-power consumption and long battery life
- Integration with IoT for automated inventory tracking and promotional updates
- Expansion into AI-driven analytics for personalized shopper experiences
Download FREE Sample Report: Electronic Shelf Label (ESL) for Department Stores and Supermarket Market – View in Detailed Research Report
9️⃣ 2. Pricer
Headquarters: Stockholm, Sweden
Key Offering: Pricer Plaza ESL system with infrared communication and e-paper tags
Pricer delivers scalable ESL solutions that enhance operational efficiency in supermarkets and department stores by enabling instant price changes and shelf-edge communication. Operating in more than 100 countries, the company serves major retailers with systems that reduce manual labor and improve accuracy in pricing. Their technology emphasizes wireless connectivity, making it easier for stores to adapt to fluctuating market demands and promotions.
Innovation Initiatives:
- High-resolution e-paper displays for clear visibility and sunlight readability
- Partnerships with retail software providers for seamless ERP integration
- Development of shelf cameras for real-time stock monitoring
8️⃣ 3. SoluM
Headquarters: Seoul, South Korea
Key Offering: SoluM ESL with Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and e-ink technology
SoluM is a key player in Asia-Pacific retail tech, providing ESL solutions that optimize space utilization in supermarkets through compact, durable labels. Their products support dynamic pricing and are widely adopted in hypermarkets for their reliability and low maintenance. By leveraging BLE, SoluM enables quick updates across large store footprints, helping retailers respond faster to consumer trends.
Innovation Initiatives:
- Energy-harvesting features to extend label lifespan without battery replacements
- Compatibility with mobile apps for in-store shopper engagement
- Focus on scalability for emerging markets in Southeast Asia
7️⃣ 4. E Ink
Headquarters: Billerica, Massachusetts, USA
Key Offering: E Ink displays for ESL applications, including color e-paper
E Ink, the pioneer of electronic paper technology, supplies the core display components for ESL systems used in department stores and supermarkets globally. Their bistable displays consume power only when updating, offering unmatched energy efficiency that aligns with sustainability goals in retail. Collaborations with system integrators have made E Ink a foundational element in modern shelf labeling.
Innovation Initiatives:
- Introduction of full-color e-paper for enhanced product visuals
- Research into flexible displays for curved shelf designs
- Global supply chain optimizations to reduce production costs
Download FREE Sample Report: Electronic Shelf Label (ESL) for Department Stores and Supermarket Market – View in Detailed Research Report
6️⃣ 5. Displaydata
Headquarters: Cambridge, United Kingdom
Key Offering: Eclipse ESL with solar-powered e-paper and centralized control
Displaydata specializes in infrastructure-free ESL deployments, ideal for large supermarket chains where cabling costs are a concern. Their solar-powered labels ensure reliable performance without ongoing battery changes, supporting applications in both department stores for fashion labeling and grocery sectors for fresh produce pricing. The company’s emphasis on open standards facilitates easy adoption.
Innovation Initiatives:
- Solar and ambient light harvesting for zero-maintenance operations
- API integrations for third-party retail management systems
- Expansion into Europe with eco-friendly manufacturing practices
5️⃣ 6. Opticon Sensors Europe B.V.
Headquarters: Nijmegen, Netherlands
Key Offering: OCA ESL series with LCD and e-paper options for hybrid retail
Opticon provides versatile ESL solutions that bridge traditional and digital retail, serving supermarkets with high-traffic needs through robust, anti-theft designs. Their products feature user-friendly interfaces for quick setup and updates, helping department stores maintain competitive pricing. With a strong European presence, Opticon focuses on compliance with regional data privacy regulations.
Innovation Initiatives:
- Hybrid display tech combining LCD for promotions and e-paper for static info
- Enhanced security features against tampering in self-service areas
- Collaborations with POS systems for synchronized pricing
4️⃣ 7. DIGI
Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: DIGI ESL with wireless networking for supermarket scales integration
DIGI integrates ESL technology with weighing and labeling systems, making it a preferred choice for supermarkets handling fresh goods. Their solutions enable automatic price adjustments based on weight and promotions, reducing checkout errors and improving throughput. Operating primarily in Asia, DIGI is expanding globally to support omnichannel retail strategies.
Innovation Initiatives:
- Seamless linkage with digital scales for real-time produce pricing
- Development of multilingual displays for international chains
- Investment in 5G connectivity for faster network updates
3️⃣ 8. Hanshow
Headquarters: Ningbo, China
Key Offering: Hanshow ESL ecosystem with RFID-enabled e-ink labels
Hanshow leads in cost-effective ESL deployments for emerging markets, offering full-stack solutions that include hardware, software, and cloud services for department stores and supermarkets. Their RFID integration allows for automated inventory counts, streamlining operations in high-volume environments. The company’s rapid growth reflects the rising adoption in Asia-Pacific retail.
Innovation Initiatives:
- RFID and ESL convergence for touchless stock management
- Affordable cloud platforms for small-to-medium retailers
- Customizable designs for diverse product categories
Download FREE Sample Report: Electronic Shelf Label (ESL) for Department Stores and Supermarket Market – View in Detailed Research Report
2️⃣ 9. LG Innotek
Headquarters: Seoul, South Korea
Key Offering: LG ESL modules with advanced LCD and e-paper hybrids
LG Innotek leverages its electronics expertise to produce high-quality ESL components, focusing on durability for supermarket use. Their labels support high-refresh rates for dynamic content like flash sales, integrated with LG’s broader smart retail ecosystem. This positions them strongly in tech-savvy markets across Asia and beyond.
Innovation Initiatives:
- High-brightness LCD for illuminated shelf promotions
- Partnerships with global retailers for customized solutions
- Advancements in flexible electronics for innovative shelf designs
1️⃣ 10. Altierre
Headquarters: Palo Alto, California, USA
Key Offering: AltoStore ESL platform with digital signage and analytics
Altierre excels in comprehensive ESL systems that go beyond pricing to include shopper analytics and in-store navigation for department stores. Their cloud-based platform manages millions of labels, enabling predictive pricing and reduced waste in supermarkets. With a focus on North American markets, Altierre drives the shift toward intelligent retail environments.
Innovation Initiatives:
- AI-powered analytics for demand forecasting and pricing optimization
- Integration with AR for enhanced customer interactions
- Scalable infrastructure for enterprise-level deployments
Read Full Report: Electronic Shelf Label (ESL) for Department Stores and Supermarket Market – View in Detailed Research Report
🌍 Outlook: The Future of Electronic Shelf Labels Is Smarter and More Connected
The electronic shelf label market is experiencing rapid evolution as retailers prioritize automation and data-driven decisions. While e-paper remains dominant for its efficiency, emerging technologies like AI and IoT are expanding the role of ESLs in creating interactive shopping experiences. Investments in this space are projected to accelerate, with a focus on sustainability and integration with broader retail tech stacks.
📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:
- Adoption of e-paper over LCD for energy savings and lower costs
- Regulatory incentives for digital transformation in retail efficiency
- IoT-enabled supply chain visibility and real-time inventory updates
- Collaborations between ESL providers and e-commerce platforms
Market Trends Affecting Electronic Shelf Labels in Retail
- Integration with AI and Machine Learning — ESL systems are increasingly using AI to enable dynamic pricing based on demand, competitor analysis, and customer behavior, helping supermarkets maximize margins while enhancing shopper satisfaction.
- Sustainability Focus with Low-Power Displays — Retailers are shifting to e-ink technologies that reduce energy use by up to 99% compared to traditional digital screens, aligning with global eco-regulations and corporate green goals.
- Enhanced Connectivity via 5G and BLE — Faster wireless networks allow for instant updates across thousands of labels, crucial for large department stores handling frequent promotions and stock changes.
- Hybrid Solutions for Omnichannel Retail — Combining ESLs with mobile apps and in-store beacons creates seamless online-offline experiences, as seen in leading chains adopting unified inventory views.
- Expansion into Emerging Markets — Growth in Asia-Pacific and Latin America drives affordable, scalable ESL deployments, with manufacturers like Hanshow leading cost-effective innovations for high-volume supermarkets.
Read Full Report: Electronic Shelf Label (ESL) for Department Stores and Supermarket Market – View in Detailed Research Report
The companies listed above are not only modernizing retail shelves—they’re pioneering the connected future of shopping experiences.
Delving deeper into the Electronic Shelf Label (ESL) market reveals a landscape ripe with opportunities for retailers seeking competitive edges. The shift from manual paper tags to digital alternatives has been transformative, allowing for instantaneous price adjustments that respond to market fluctuations, supply chain disruptions, or promotional campaigns. For instance, in supermarkets where perishable goods demand quick repricing, ESLs prevent revenue loss from outdated tags, a common pain point in traditional setups. Moreover, department stores benefit from the ability to showcase richer product information, such as nutritional facts or style details, directly at the point of decision-making, influencing purchase behaviors positively.
Market dynamics are influenced by several factors. The proliferation of self-checkout systems and contactless shopping post-pandemic has amplified the need for accurate, up-to-date shelf information to build consumer trust. Furthermore, labor shortages in retail have pushed chains toward automation, where ESLs cut down on time-consuming manual updates—potentially saving hours per store daily. On the technological front, the divide between LCD and e-paper displays is narrowing, but e-paper’s advantages in power efficiency and readability under various lighting conditions make it the preferred choice for long-term installations. However, LCD variants are gaining traction for applications requiring vibrant colors, like seasonal displays in department stores.
Regionally, Europe leads in adoption due to stringent energy efficiency directives, while North America’s mature retail sector emphasizes ROI through integrated analytics. In Asia-Pacific, rapid urbanization and e-commerce growth are accelerating ESL penetration, with China alone accounting for a significant share of global installations. Challenges persist, including initial setup costs and the need for reliable wireless infrastructure, but falling hardware prices and cloud-based management are mitigating these barriers. As we look toward 2025, expect ESLs to evolve into multifunctional devices, incorporating sensors for environmental monitoring or even serving as mini-beacons for location-based services.
These top companies are at the forefront, not just supplying hardware but delivering ecosystems that enhance overall store intelligence. Their innovations ensure that retailers can operate more agilely, reduce operational costs by up to 70% in pricing tasks, and ultimately provide a more engaging shopping journey. For stakeholders eyeing this market, understanding these leaders’ strategies is essential to navigating the competitive terrain and capitalizing on growth projections.
In conclusion, the ESL market’s trajectory underscores a broader retail renaissance, where technology bridges the gap between physical stores and digital expectations. By profiling these top players, we’ve highlighted how they’re not merely replacing tags but redefining retail efficiency and customer interaction. As adoption rates climb, driven by proven benefits in cost savings and accuracy, ESLs will become indispensable in the modern retail arsenal.