Electronic Shelf Label System Market

The global Electronic Shelf Label (ESL) System Market Size was USD 1555.46 million in 2023 and the market is projected to touch USD 3505.02 million by 2031, exhibiting a CAGR of 14.50% during the forecast period.

The electronic shelf labelling (ESL) system market is developing at a high rate due to retail system improvement demand. The selling systems, which are of the ESL type, completely convert the old-fashioned pricing methods by using digital displays to exhibit details about products, prices, and advertisements dynamically. Market pricing systems have a number of benefits for retailers: they allow them to update their prices instantly, eliminating the costs associated with manual price adjustment and human error. As there is an option of wireless connectivity and remote management, ESL systems make the management of inventories easier, satisfy customers, and enable every store to operate at maximum efficiency. Since the retail industry is trying to be modernised on an operational level and to stay competitive in the digital age, the software market for the ESL system is growing globally.

The global COVID-19 pandemic has been unprecedented and staggering, with the market experiencing higher-than-anticipated demand across all regions compared to pre-pandemic levels. The sudden market growth reflected by the rise in CAGR is attributable to market’s growth and demand returning to pre-pandemic levels.

The COVID-19 outbreak has accelerated the development of the Electronic Shelf Label (ESL) System Market, given the fact that merchants turn to such touchless solutions in an effort to keep retail shops open in the face of social distancing measures. In view of hygiene issues shaking up the market, touchless procedures have seen a tremendous increase in the popularity of ESL systems, especially in the retail sectors of medicines and groceries. These constantly changing circumstances caused rapid growth in the market as well and highlighted the key role of ESLs in secure shopping, less physical contact, and in terms of quick change of the price screen to meet changing demand, thus standing a chance to be considered as part of a stable and reliable retail structure adopted in the post-pandemic period.

"Market growth in the Electronic Shelf Label (ESL) System Market is driven by IoT integration, enhancing retail operations and customer insights"

The cutting-edge technology in the Electronic Shelf Label (ESL) System Market now makes use of a big data-analysis technology known as the Internet of Things (IoT). This trend centres on the integration of ESL solutions into the whole retail ecosystem, providing a possibility for a continuous flow of data between captions, inventory management systems, and other retail operations in real time. Through IoT-coupled ESL machines, retailers can have clearer perceptions of their consumer behaviour and product availability, thereby enabling them to come up with personalised marketing opportunities and improve operational efficiency through the use of tailored pricing strategies and targeted promotions.

By Type

Based on type the market can be categorized into Standard (1-3 inch), Mid-Large (3.1-7 inch) & Large (7.1-10 inch).

Standard (1-3 inches): Standard Electronic Shelf Labelling (ESL) systems with sizes ranging between 1 and 3 inches are perfect for situations where there are limited spaces and, therefore, offer retailers a cost-effective tool for displaying the essential product information and prices conveniently on a smaller area without cluttering, thus optimising the utilisation of space and making the area visually appealing.

Mid-Large (3.1–7 inches): ESL devices with display sizes ranging from 3.1 to 7 inches, known as ESL Mid-Large systems, facilitate the display of more elaborate product data regarding descriptions, images, and prices. Such systems offer retailers an inclusive range of features that can add to customer engagement, make way for cross-selling, and, most importantly, improve the customer shopping experience.

Large (7.1–10 inches): Large Electronic Shelf Label (ESL) systems with bigger display panels ranging from 7.1 to 10 inches provide the opportunity to show all the key information about product characteristics, possible situations of its use, and different promotional activities. As a result, retailers can create an effective visual attraction and increase sales.

By Application

Based on application the market can be categorized into Department Stores or Mass Merchandise, Grocery or Supermarket, Drug Stores & Specialty Stores.

Department Stores or Mass Merchandise: ESL systems, which are electronic, provide mass merchandisers and department stores with an efficient way of making dynamic pricing updates over the numerous items and aisles that are in the market, enhancing the customer experience and streamlining operations. At the same time, ESL systems allow real-time changes in pricing to be competitive in the market.

Grocery or supermarket: With regard to the grocery/supermarket segment, the Electronic Shelf Label (ESL) system holds great promise of being capable of price management using spot-as-time updates. This helps them to make changes in prices, promotions, and product information and assures smooth operations, the elimination of pricing errors, and effective inventory management, which, in turn, translates into more clients’ contentment and additional sales.

Drug Stores: The Digital Shelf Label (ESL) system has a solution for this mass of pharmaceutical and healthcare products for drugstores, which guarantees the right price updates, bill compliance conditions, and improved inventory management efficiency, thus giving confidence and safety to the customer in a very regulated environment.

Specialty Stores: Retail specialty stores gain from Electronic Shelf Labels (ESL) through immediate and accurate price updates as well as the display of products possessing customised information relevant to their specific assortments. This model cultivates a dynamic atmosphere, enhancing customers’ engagement, creating more sales chances, and maintaining brand image through consistently correct prices.

"Market growth in the ESL System is facilitated by cost-effective processes, reduced errors, and enhanced revenue generation"

The ESL System hence helps in cost effectiveness and efficiency among various market players. ESL information system provides efficient pricing processes, leaving less room for human errors and therefore saving time and money. Additionally, such technologies prevent prices from going wrong, effectively use shelf space, and enable agile pricing strategies, generating higher productivity and revenue.

"Market growth in the ESL System is propelled by enhanced customer experiences through personalized shopping journeys and improved product information"

On account of improving the customer experience, the second trivial factor is included. The ESL technology will upgrade retailers with the right product information as well as the latest stock and promotion details, fostering a more exciting and personalised shopping journey. With the use of legible and coherent price marking, customers can make spontaneous purchases that satisfy their needs in a short period of time, resulting in their loyalty to the brand and thus fuelling the Electronic Shelf Label (ESL) System Market Growth.

"The initial cost of ESL systems presents a barrier to market growth, especially for smaller shops, compounded by employee resistance and training requirements"

The initial cost of introducing an ESL system can be called the restraining factor for the Electronic Shelf Label (ESL) System Market Growth. Even though ESL saves on long-term appointments, the in-advance costs of hardware, software, and installation might be heavy and may be a burden for the shops that are smaller and cannot handle this. Furthermore, one more problem is that employee’s resistance to change and the necessity of training them to utilise and keep ESL technology can be a problem that leads to more time-consuming market penetration, although its benefits are obvious.

The market is primarily segregated into Europe, Latin America, Asia Pacific, North America, and Middle East & Africa.

"North America dominates the Electronic Shelf Label (ESL) System Market due to its robust retail infrastructure, emphasis on operational efficiency, and technological advancements"

The market is predominantly ruled by North America holding the highest Electronic Shelf Label (ESL) System Market Share because of numerous criteria. The region has a substantial retail infrastructure that has created competitiveness, resulting in the quick adaptation of hot technology such as ESL machines. However, North American retailers also focus on operations improvement and providing memorable customer service, which in turn creates the demand for ESL solutions. When it comes to technological improvements and the large needs of the retail automation sector, it is not a secret that North America stands out as the leader of this trend, still keeping its key position in the international market.

"Leading market players significantly influence Electronic Shelf Label (ESL) System Market growth through continuous R&D, global presence, and strategic marketing initiatives"

The key market players are imposing a very significant control over the growth of the Electronic Shelf Label (ESL) System Market through strategic initiatives as well as technical modernization. These players have contributed to these solution providers through their continuous research and development, which in turn has made the solutions more dynamic, innovative, and up-to-date with current retail demands. Besides, their presence in a lot of branches and having partners all over the globe are also responsible for the worldwide adoption of ESL devices. Having adopted strategic marketing methods and unique product individualization, leading market players suggest ESL technology as a crucial part of nowadays retail facilities and, in this way, tend to keep and expand the sector’s competitiveness, thus the market growth rate.

• Pricer (Sweden)
• SoluM (South Korea)
• E Ink (Taiwan)
• DIGI (U.S)
• Hanshow (China)

2023: MOKOSmart's innovation of ESLs with built-in EPC readers represents a significant advancement in the technology. These readers allow for real-time tracking of individual items, providing retailers with greater accuracy and efficiency in their inventory management. This not only helps prevent stockouts but also enables better control over stock levels, potentially reducing storage costs and improving overall operational efficiency.

This report is based on historical analysis and forecast calculation that aims to help readers get a comprehensive understanding of the global Electronic Shelf Label (ESL) System Market from multiple angles, which also provides sufficient support to readers’ strategy and decision-making. Also, this study comprises a comprehensive analysis of SWOT and provides insights for future developments within the market. It examines varied factors that contribute to the growth of the market by discovering the dynamic categories and potential areas of innovation whose applications may influence its trajectory in the upcoming years. This analysis encompasses both recent trends and historical turning points into consideration, providing a holistic understanding of the market’s competitors and identifying capable areas for growth.

This research report examines the segmentation of the market by using both quantitative and qualitative methods to provide a thorough analysis that also evaluates the influence of strategic and financial perspectives on the market. Additionally, the report's regional assessments consider the dominant supply and demand forces that impact market growth. The competitive landscape is detailed meticulously, including shares of significant market competitors. The report incorporates unconventional research techniques, methodologies and key strategies tailored for the anticipated frame of time. Overall, it offers valuable and comprehensive insights into the market dynamics professionally and understandably.