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How to prepare your store for an electronic shelf label deployment?

Adopting Electronic Shelf Labels (ESL) means transforming your store for greater efficiency and accuracy. This transition to electronic pricing in-store offers major advantages: price automation, shelf optimization, and an improved in-store customer experience. But how can you install electronic shelf labels optimally and ensure a smooth, cost-effective deployment?

Why properly prepare your electronic shelf label deployment?

In-store preparation for electronic shelf labels is essential to ensure technical compatibility, reduce interruptions, and optimize installation costs. For a successful ESL deployment, meticulous planning is imperative, as it prevents operational problems, delays, and unexpected expenses.

Technical Prerequisites

Integration with your existing systems

Integrating electronic shelf labels requires a seamless connection with your Point of Sale (POS) system, ERP, or in-store price management software. Before installing electronic shelf labels in-store, you must check:

Compatibility with your ERP or your PMS (Price Management System)
Real-time price synchronization between your systems and the ESL solutions
The ability to update the electronic price display remotely

Ensure that your product and price databases are up-to-date, reliable, and compatible with the ESL platform. An accurate database facilitates the implementation of dynamic price labels and avoids errors.

Adapted Network Infrastructure

The network infrastructure is the foundation of any smart in-store technology. To ensure fluid communication, electronic shelf labels require high-performance Wi-Fi or radio frequency network. The key points to validate are:

Network Coverage: The signal must be strong in all areas of the store, including distant aisles and storage rooms.
Sufficient Bandwidth: ESL solutions generate additional network traffic that your infrastructure must be able to support.
Network Security: Protect your network against intrusions with firewalls and encryption protocols.

Practical Tip: Call upon a retail infrastructure expert to assess the robustness of your network and identify any necessary upgrades for electronic shelf label deployment.

Organizational Prerequisites

Shelf Audit and Layout Optimization

Not every shelf has the same needs. An initial audit allows you to determine the quantity of electronic shelf labels required and the most suitable formats (food, DIY, pharmacy, etc.).

Take advantage of the electronic shelf label deployment for shelf and stock optimization:

Clean and reorganize shelves to facilitate the in-store installation of electronic shelf labels,
Update the inventory comprehensively,
Plan test zones: identify a pilot aisle to validate the solution before generalizing (1 to 2 weeks recommended).

Involvement and Training of In-Store Teams

The adoption of electronic shelf labels by your in-store teams is crucial for successful installation. It is essential that your employees understand the benefits of electronic shelf labels for stores and that they are trained in their use. To do this, organize training sessions that will allow you to:

Explain the Functioning: how to read the labels, update them, and resolve common issues
Train for Incident Management: designate key contacts capable of intervening for electronic shelf label maintenance
Raise Awareness of Benefits: show how retail automation simplifies daily work (fewer manual changes, fewer errors)

Good to know: Practical, on-the-ground training facilitates adoption and optimizes productivity from launch.

Logistics Planning for Deployment

Establish a precise schedule to minimize the impact on business activity:

Test period on a pilot aisle (1 to 2 weeks)
Phased deployment by zones to avoid disruptions
Installation during off-peak hours (early morning or evening)

Also, prepare all the necessary equipment: a sufficient quantity of electronic shelf labels, installation tools, and backup equipment (temporary paper labels in case of failure).

Strategic Prerequisites

Price Policy Consistency

The implementation of dynamic price labels reflects your prices and promotions in real-time. A clear and consistent strategy across your channels (in-store and online) guarantees a frictionless in-store customer experience. Ensure your in-store price management policy is coherent before deploying electronic shelf labels.

Long-Term Vision and Global Transformation

The investment in ESL solutions is part of the modernization of points of sale. It must align with your objectives: digitalization, sustainability, customer experience, or shelf and stock optimization. Think of electronic shelf labels as a building block in a broader retail automation project.

Succeeding in your Electronic Shelf Label Deployment

The success of electronic shelf label deployment relies primarily on meticulous in-store preparation. This includes a solid network infrastructure, reliable data, committed teams, and a clear strategy. By mastering the installation and adhering to these technical, organizational, and strategic prerequisites, you will maximize the benefits of electronic shelf labels for your business.

This modernization of points of sale offers many advantages: retail automation, a notable improvement in the customer experience, optimized price management, and the integration of smart store technology to serve your performance. A well-prepared deployment is a long-term profitable investment.

Have you prepared your store? Now discover how electronic shelf labels work.

Robotics, AI, and ESL: The Winning Trio for the Future of Retail – MLB Web

In 2025, physical stores are entering a new era. The convergence of robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), and electronic shelf labels (ESL) is driving a profound transformation in operations, customer experience, and in-store data management.

At JRTech Solutions, we witness every day how these combined technologies are redefining retail standards. As Pricer’s main partner in North America, we are at the heart of this revolution. Here’s how this technological trio is already reshaping the stores of tomorrow.

Growing Pressure on In-Store Operations

Retailers today face multiple simultaneous challenges: reducing costs, improving the customer experience, managing inventory efficiently, and meeting sustainability requirements.

Traditional solutions are no longer enough. The adoption of automation, AI, and connected systems has become essential to remain competitive.

Artificial Intelligence to Optimize Every Decision

AI in retail is no longer limited to product recommendations or promotion management. It is now embedded deep within store operations, particularly through management platforms connected to electronic shelf labels.

Pricer’s ESLs, used in over 70 countries, allow real-time price updates while serving as gateways to valuable data: tracking out-of-stocks, stock alerts, and dynamic price adjustments based on demand or competition.

By integrating predictive algorithms, ESLs become true decision-making sensors. You’re no longer just displaying prices, you’re optimizing your margins in real time.

Robotics Supporting Daily Store Operations

In 2024, JRTech formed a strategic partnership with Brain Corp, the global leader in autonomous robotics for commercial environments. The goal: to deploy robots across Canada capable of scanning shelves, detecting facing errors, and identifying missing or mislabeled products.
The collected data is then synchronized with the Pricer ESL system, automatically triggering actions such as price adjustments, restock requests, information updates, or alerts.

This synergy between robotics and ESLs provides several key benefits:

Improved product availability,
Fewer out-of-stocks,
Reduced manual tasks,
Real-time, end-to-end inventory visibility.

As a result, in-store teams can focus on higher-value activities; such as customer service and enhancing the in-aisle experience.

ESL: Electronic Labels as the Foundation of Innovation

Electronic Shelf Labels (ESLs) are much more than digital price displays. They form the foundation of a connected store. Linked in real time to your internal systems, they keep all information accurate and consistent while allowing instant updates.

For your teams, this means the end of time-consuming manual price changes. For your customers, it ensures clear, precise, and always up-to-date pricing. Beyond that, ESLs open the door to new possibilities such as product geolocation, dynamic promotions, and integration with mobile applications.

When Robotics, AI, and ESL Work Together

Individually, each of these technologies already improves performance. But together, they drive a true revolution.

Robotics continuously collects on-site data,
AI analyzes this information to anticipate needs,
ESLs translate these insights directly in-store, through real-time price updates and clear messages to customers.

This trio creates a virtuous cycle that optimizes operations, reduces costs, and enhances the overall in-store experience.

Sustainable Benefits for the Retail Industry

Beyond productivity and operational agility, the combination of robotics, AI, and ESL technology helps address key sustainability challenges:

Reduced paper printing
Less waste from labeling errors
Display of environmental data (such as local origin, carbon footprint, and certifications).

According to a NielsenIQ study, nearly 50% of consumers consider environmental commitments a decisive factor in their purchasing decisions. ESLs have become a tangible way to bring that responsibility to life at the point of sale.

Toward an Augmented Vision of the Store

In the future, electronic shelf labels will display much more than just prices. Combined with augmented reality, geomarketing, or purchase history, they will be able to deliver contextual information tailored to each customer profile.
From simple static displays, they will evolve into dynamic, connected, and intelligent interfaces at the very heart of the phygital shopping experience.

A Trio Redefining the Future of Retail

The convergence of robotics, AI, and ESL is no longer a vision of the future; it is already happening in stores across North America. As the leading ESL integrator in the region, JRTech Solutions is driving this transformation with reliable, scalable, and future-ready technology.

Are you a retailer, manufacturer, or technology buyer? Let’s discuss the next step in your store’s digital transformation.

The Partnership Between JRTech and Pricer in North America: Enhancing In-Store Label Management

In 2025, the retail landscape is evolving at a rapid pace. Pressure on profit margins, labor shortages, regulatory requirements, and rising consumer expectations are pushing retailers to rethink every aspect of their operations. In this context, the Electronic Shelf Label (ESL) has emerged as a strategic tool.

For over fifteen years, JRTech Solutions has played a central role in this transformation across North America. As Pricer’s partner, we help retailers modernize their stores by providing robust, scalable, and performance-driven technology.

A Partnership Built on Complementarity and Long-Term Vision

JRTech Solutions is now the largest ESL solutions integrator in North America. As Pricer’s partner in Canada, we deploy their technology at scale across multiple sectors, including grocery, hardware, pharmacy, specialty retail, and industry.

Pricer, a Swedish company founded in 1991, operates in more than 70 countries. With over 350 million ESLs deployed worldwide, Pricer is a recognized global leader in the field, using proprietary infrared technology that ensures fast, reliable, and secure updates.

Our collaboration is driven by a shared vision: enabling retailers to enter the era of the smart, connected, and sustainable store.

Technology Serving Store Performance

Electronic shelf labels enable real-time price updates, synchronization of information between physical and digital channels, and optimized shelf management.

Through the Pricer Plaza cloud platform, we offer a centralized solution that simplifies promotion management, supports dynamic pricing strategies, and coordinates operations across multiple stores.

The SmartTAG Color models, featuring four-color displays, open new possibilities in terms of visibility and merchandising. They can display promotions, brand logos, stock alerts, regulatory icons, or even local-origin indicators.
Each installed ESL becomes an intelligent touchpoint between the product, store associates, and management systems.

Major Projects Transforming Retail in Canada

Sobeys: A Nationwide Rollout

The Empire Group, parent company of Sobeys, signed a strategic agreement with us to equip 50 stores with the Pricer Plaza solution and millions of color ESLs.

This project (valued at 485 MSEK) will continue through 2026 and represents one of the largest ESL deployments in North America.

By choosing Pricer technology, Sobeys is investing in a proven, reliable system that supports growth, reduces manual labor, and enhances the in-store customer experience.

Associated Grocers: A Pioneer in Color ESL

In British Columbia, Associated Grocers, part of the Pattison Food Group, implemented our solution in a pilot store equipped with multi-color ESLs.
This first-of-its-kind deployment in Canada highlights our ability to support retailers of all sizes in their digital transformation.

Sexton Group: Modernizing Hardware Stores

With more than 450 retail locations, the Sexton Group partnered with us to introduce ESL technology into its hardware stores.
The project also integrates complementary tools such as inventory robotics, product geolocation, and click-and-collect solutions.

This demonstrates that ESL technology goes far beyond grocery adapting to complex, technical retail environments.

Innovation at the Core of Our Mission

Beyond large-scale rollouts, we continue to expand the ESL technological ecosystem.

Partnership with Brain Corp

Together with Brain Corp, we introduced AI-driven autonomous inventory management solutions in Canada.By combining robotic shelf scanning with our ESLs, we enable continuous analysis of on-shelf conditions without human intervention. This approach reduces out-of-stocks, improves data accuracy, and optimizes product availability.

Industrial Integration with 3M

We’ve also demonstrated that ESLs can serve applications beyond retail.

In partnership with 3M, we equipped an industrial facility in Ontario with ESLs that display real-time production data synchronized with PLCs and internal databases.

This use case paves the way for broader adoption of ESL technology in manufacturing, logistics, and industrial environments.

Promoting Local Manufacturing

In the hardware sector, we integrated the “Well Made Here” logo directly into ESL displays. This initiative allows retailers to highlight Canadian-made products, enhancing transparency and consumer trust.

Tangible Benefits at Every Level

Our clients quickly experience measurable benefits. Within just a few weeks, equipped stores report:

A significant reduction in pricing errors,
Major time savings for in-store teams,
Strengthened consistency across channels,
Increased visibility for promotions,
Noticeable reductions in paper and ink consumption.

Each ESL typically lasts over five years, consuming minimal energy making it both an economical and sustainable solution.

Local Expertise Driving National Impact

What truly sets JRTech Solutions apart is our ability to pair world-class technology with personalized local support.

Our teams deploy, configure, train, and provide long-term service across all Canadian provinces in both English and French.

We don’t just deliver a product we ensure its success in the field.

A Strategic Alliance for the Store of Tomorrow

The partnership between JRTech and Pricer in North America stands today as one of the strongest in retail technology.

Together, we help retailers move toward smarter, more automated, and more sustainable in-store operations.

In an ever-changing environment, we empower you to evolve your processes, simplify your workflows, and deliver a seamless, engaging experience to your customers.

We’re proud to be your partner in building the stores of tomorrow.

Retail trends reshaping stores in 2025

The retail sector is undergoing an unprecedented transformation. In 2025, the retail industry is reinventing itself under the pressure of new consumer expectations, technological advances, and economic challenges. Automation, AI in retail, sustainability, and real-time data are key drivers redefining how future retail stores are designed and operated.

In this article, we highlight the emerging retail trends 2025 that are reshaping the market, with a focus on the retail innovations and concrete technologies adopted by global leaders.

Artificial intelligence as a driver of optimization

Artificial intelligence is no longer optional—it is now a central part of the future of retail. In 2025, AI is used to forecast demand, adjust pricing in real time, optimize inventories, and support decision-making inside stores.

For example, Walmart recently announced the integration of “AI super agents” to automate its omnichannel operations, from logistics and customer service to supply chain analytics.

Retailers also rely on computer vision to detect out-of-stocks or better understand shopper behaviour inside physical retail stores.

Digital shelf labels (ESL) become the new standard

In 2025, electronic shelf labels (ESL)—also called digital shelf labels or smart shelf technology—are no longer an innovation, but a true operational standard across the retail sector. Used in grocery chains, hardware stores, pharmacies, and specialty shops, they enable real-time price updates, reduce errors, cut printing costs, and improve workforce efficiency.

Canadian retailers like Metro and Sobeys have accelerated their digital transformation by deploying hundreds of thousands of ESLs in their stores.

The new generation of ESL retail solutions, such as SmartTAG Color, go beyond simple price display. They allow:

logos or pictograms to highlight product features (organic, local, allergens),
dynamic visual promotions,
integration with automated inventory systems,
even in-store product geolocation.

Connected ESLs, controlled remotely through platforms like Pricer Plaza, guarantee consistency across online, in-store, and flyer prices. They also support store transformation by enabling rapid merchandising changes, localized offers, and improved operational efficiency.

Omnichannel as the default customer experience

The customer journey is now omnichannel by default. By 2025, it flows across websites, mobile apps, pickup lockers, and interactive kiosks. Retail store evolution is built on centralized management of inventory, pricing, and customer data.

Solutions like Pricer Plaza, integrated with ERP and e-commerce platforms, allow real-time synchronization of pricing across all touchpoints. This supports the rise of click & collect, scan & go, and self-service kiosks.

According to Capgemini, more than 70% of North American retailers list omnichannel retail technology as their top strategic priority in 2025.

Automation to address labour shortages

Persistent labour shortages are pushing retailers to adopt retail technology innovation. Self-checkout is now common, but the real breakthrough of 2025 is the expansion of cashierless stores.

Chains like Amazon Go and Tesco are testing next-gen retail stores where customers simply pick up items and walk out. Purchases are tracked and billed automatically through a network of cameras and sensors.

Inventory robots scan aisles, detect stockouts, and send data directly to management systems. Coupled with ESLs, these robots improve accuracy, speed, and overall efficiency.

Sustainability at the core of retail innovation

In 2025, sustainability is a defining element of the future of retail. Shoppers expect brands to act responsibly, and they increasingly base their purchasing decisions on environmental criteria.

According to NielsenIQ, nearly 50% of consumers worldwide say sustainability directly influences where they shop. The number is even higher among younger generations.

Here again, digital shelf labels are both ecological and operationally efficient. They replace thousands of weekly printed paper tags, cutting paper, ink, and energy waste.

Thanks to dynamic displays, ESLs also highlight responsible product information:

local product origins,
eco-certifications (organic, fair trade),
estimated carbon footprints,
short supply chain and plastic-free mentions.

This transparency builds trust and loyalty while ensuring compliance with ESG and sustainability regulations.

5 Strategies to Transform Grocery Store Operations and Increase Profitability in 2025

Optimizing grocery store operations is an ongoing process. Retailers are facing a wave of changing consumer expectations and evolving AI-driven technologies.

What are the most effective strategies for keeping up with trends and getting ahead of competitors?

From understanding your fundamental business model to implementing the latest in digital displays and robotics, we’ve outlined five key strategies for transforming your supermarket operations in 2025.

One: Understand the supermarket business model

KEY Takeaway: The modern supermarket business model evolved from early innovations into the modern supermarket model. This model features core components and processes that enhance customer experience and business performance.

The modern supermarket business model is so widespread that it is easy to forget that grocery stores as we know them were once an innovative solution.

Origins of the modern supermarket

Piggly Wiggly

The first self-service grocery store, Piggly Wiggly, was opened by Clarence Saunders in Memphis, Tennessee, on September 11, 1916. Piggly Wiggly introduced innovations such as shopping baskets, price-marked items, organized product categories, and uniformed employees. These changes reduced labor costs, increased efficiency, and gave customers more control over their shopping experience.

King Kullen

The first “true” supermarket was King Kullen, opened by Michael J. Cullen on August 4, 1930, in Jamaica, Queens, New York. King Kullen’s format fulfilled five defining criteria of a modern supermarket: self-service, separate departments, discount pricing, chain marketing, and volume dealing. Cullen’s approach leveraged technological advancements like refrigeration and cellophane packaging.

Supermarkets today: the supermarket model

The supermarket model quickly gained popularity during the mid-20th century due to its improved efficiency and alignment with emerging consumer lifestyles.

Today, all supermarkets share a set of fundamental functions and processes. The supermarket model, defined according to the Integrated Modeling Method (IMM), offers valuable insights into these intricate workings by clearly identifying the common, core functional elements of any grocery business.

The supermarket model consists of four key components:

Customers: The end users who purchase products from the supermarket
Retail outlets: The physical locations where customers can buy products
Transportation systems: Used to move products from suppliers to retail outlets
Warehouse distribution centers: Facilities used to store products before they are shipped to retail outlets

These components work together to create the foundation of the supermarket business model, enabling efficient operations and a seamless shopping experience for customers.

The supermarket model also comprises four main processes that are key to effective operations:

Procurement: Acquiring products from suppliers.
Storage: Storing merchandise in warehouse distribution centers.
Distribution: Transporting products from warehouses to retail outlets.
Sales: Selling products to customers.

By understanding the evolution and workings of their business, today’s managers can more easily identify areas of improvement and optimize their operations, leading to improved efficiency, reduced costs, and higher customer satisfaction.

Two: Implement cutting-edge technology to simplify grocery store operations

KEY Takeaway: Today’s supermarkets are again facing change, in the form of new shopping trends and advances in technology. By adopting key technologies like Electronic Shelf Labels (ESLs) and advanced inventory management software, grocery stores can maintain a competitive edge.

As seen above, what was once considered a remarkable advance in operational efficiency is now a widespread norm.

With the advent of omnichannel shopping and AI-driven marketing and data tracking capabilities, traditional supermarkets are facing another wave of changes.

While not every business will be ready to completely overhaul their operations, there are two key technologies that have a massive impact on efficiency, cost-effectiveness and a store’s ability to maintain their competitive edge:

1. Electronic Shelf Labels (ESLs)

Electronic Shelf Labels are currently in use in many large retail outlets, including pharmacies, grocery stores and hardware stores. These paperless digital price tags use wireless technology to display and update product information digitally on retail shelves.

Controlled by a central management system so that a single employee can manage all price and product updates, including changes based on promotions or stock-out situations, these digital displays show clean, multi-coloured numbers and letters on a fully customizable screen. From QR codes to nutritional information, electronic shelf labels can show whatever is necessary.

Smart Shelf Tags look almost like regular paper shelf labels, making the transition from traditional paper labels seamless from a customer’s point of view. From a retail manager’s perspective, the tags usher in a new era of data collection, facilitated in-store communication and improved efficiency.

Electronic Shelf Labels are a fundamental technology for implementing further advanced operational functionalities via IoT.

2. Inventory management software

Another must-have for supermarkets in 2025 is inventory management software. This software assigns unique SKUs to identify each product in your store, and can be seamlessly integrated with electronic barcodes to accelerate data entry and reduce errors associated with manual processing.

Choosing the right inventory management system makes it possible to set optimal stock levels for every item in your catalog and implement a pricing automation strategy.

The software will send automated alerts when it is time to reorder and even identify what quantities are needed. It will also enable monitoring of supplier lead times.

When combined with Smart Carts, inventory management software takes inventory analytics and personalization to a new level.

Three: Integrate Self-Checkout stations to streamline payment

KEY Takeaway: Convenience is king. Self-checkout stations are leading the way to faster, more efficient and more beneficial point-of-sales experiences for both shoppers and store managers.

Retail stores in 2025 are finding new ways to offer fast, efficient checkout services, and consumers are showing their appreciation with heightened loyalty. Driven in part by the need for a solution to widespread labour shortages, self-checkout kiosks are proving to be more than just a temporary fix.

In addition, advanced contactless payment methods are key to attracting younger shoppers, and with security measures like scanner scales and security doors, you can be sure these fast checkout methods will lead to improved customer service for all.

Four: Unlock insights with Point-Of-Sale (POS) data and advanced analytics

KEY Takeaway: Actionable Point-Of-Sale data can be used to reveal essential insights and drive decision-making and improvements to grocery store operations.

Your point-of-sale (POS) data is highly valuable for acquiring key insights. Analyzing the shopping patterns captured by your POS system allows you to develop merchandising and promotional strategies based on actual customer purchasing behaviors.

By using AI-driven algorithms and data analytics, you can identify products frequently bought together, and optimize your grocery store layout accordingly for convenience and to drive impulse purchases.

Five: Save time and resources with automation and robotics

KEY Takeaway: Grocery store robots are infiltrating core operations, leading to new and improved methods and opportunities for diversifying employee profiles.

It’s one thing to simply keep up with trends. It’s another to go one step further and embrace the future of grocery store operations.

Labour shortages and changes in employee expectations are challenging the retail landscape. The solution involves reassessing your approach to staffing.

Robotics

Autonomous robots are one of the most significant innovations currently affecting the supermarket retail landscape. Capable of everything from analytics to inventory management and floor cleaning, robots are empowering grocery stores to automate core operations in new and exciting ways. They can even facilitate remote site management.

Cross-training

As some employee functions are replaced by automation and robotics, remaining human workers can benefit from cross-training that enables them to play multiple roles within the retail outlet. This not only allows managers to make the most of the available workforce, it often results in more stimulating and satisfying jobs.

Employees equipped with varied skills can provide the necessary person-to-person assistance that some shoppers need, while fulfilling other duties during times of lower demand. Competent multi-tasking employees are also potential candidates for promotion to management positions, facilitating succession planning and employee motivation.

JRTech is a leading provider of Electronic Shelf Labels and Digital Signage

The grocery store landscape is undergoing rapid change as new technologies present unique opportunities for improved operations and accelerated data insights.

Better inventory management, improved OSA, less food waste and happier customers: all this and more is possible by implementing digital solutions to solve age-old problems of supply, demand and service.

JRTech is the leading provider of Pricer Electronic Shelf Labels in North America. We are proud to provide supermarkets with top-quality digital signage and ESL solutions. Contact us to learn more.

grocery store operations

5 Inflation Pricing Strategies for Retail | JRTech Solutions

As a retailer, dealing with inflation is a balancing act – raising prices too much could result in the loss of important customers, but not increasing them could negatively affect your bottom line.

In this article, we provide you with the best inflation pricing strategies to ensure your business finds the perfect balance between cost and profitability. With our expert advice, you will have the tools that your business needs to remain competitive and profitable in the ever-changing economic climate.

Inflation trends in 2025

Inflationary trends in Canada in 2025 are proving to be a significant factor influencing the retail sector, with rising costs and shifting consumer behaviors shaping the industry’s outlook. The year has seen inflation climb to notable levels, driven by policy changes and external economic pressures, which are impacting retail sales, pricing strategies, and supply chains.

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is the Bank of Canada’s preferred indicator of Canadian inflation, measuring how the cost of goods and services changes over time. CPI data released in February 2025 by Statistics Canada showed that Canada’s inflation rate jumped to 2.6% in that month, marking an eight-month high and exceeding market expectations of 2.2%. This surge was primarily attributed to the expiration of goods and services tax (GST) and harmonized sales tax (HST) breaks, which led to sharp price increases across various categories. Food prices rebounded by 1.3%, while clothing and footwear saw a 1.4% increase. Transportation costs rose by 3%, and shelter expenses climbed by 4.2%, underscoring broad-based inflationary pressures. Without the sales tax exemptions, inflation would have been even higher—estimated at 3% for February (Source: Reuters).

External factors such as U.S.-Canada trade tensions are also exacerbating inflation. The imposition of tariffs by the U.S., coupled with Canada’s retaliatory measures, is expected to further elevate prices in the coming months. Economists predict that inflation will remain above the Bank of Canada’s target range of 1%-3%, complicating monetary policy decisions.

Impact on Retail Sector

The retail industry is grappling with these inflationary pressures, which are affecting both operational costs and consumer spending patterns. Retail sales declined by 0.6% month-over-month in January 2025, with inflation-adjusted sales volumes dropping by 1.1%. Categories such as motor vehicle and parts dealers experienced significant declines (-2.6%), while food and beverage stores saw a notable drop (-2.5%). Although certain segments like furniture and home furnishings (+3.9%) showed resilience, overall retail performance remains subdued.

Higher prices for imported goods due to tariffs are raising costs for retailers, particularly those reliant on cross-border supply chains. This has led to increased prices for consumers, reducing demand for discretionary items. Additionally, supply chain disruptions caused by tariffs are creating inventory challenges, further straining retailers’ ability to maintain stable pricing and availability. (Source: Arcus)

Consumer Behavior Amid Inflation

Inflation is reshaping consumer behavior in Canada as households prioritize essential purchases over discretionary spending. Rising costs for shelter and transportation—key components of the Consumer Price Index (CPI)—are leaving less room for non-essential expenditures. Retailers are responding by emphasizing value-driven offerings and promotions to attract cost-conscious shoppers.

E-commerce sales have also been impacted, declining by 0.9% month-over-month in January after a strong performance in December. This suggests that even online retail is not immune to inflationary pressures, as higher shipping costs and reduced consumer spending weigh on growth.

Outlook for Retail in Canada

The outlook for Canada’s retail sector in 2025 remains uncertain but not entirely bleak. Real GDP growth is projected to reach 1.8%, up from 1.6% in 2024, providing some stability for retail expansion. However, persistent inflationary pressures could lead to further declines in consumer confidence and spending if prices continue to rise.

Retailers will need to adapt strategically to navigate this challenging environment. Emphasizing omnichannel integration, leveraging technology in the grocery, pharmacy and other retail sectors for efficiency, and focusing on affordability will be critical for maintaining competitiveness. While inflation remains a headwind, the sector’s resilience will depend on its ability to innovate and respond effectively to evolving consumer needs.

The 5 best retail pricing strategies during high inflation

With careful planning and adaptation, retailers can mitigate the impact of rising costs while positioning themselves for long-term growth amidst economic uncertainty. Here are some effective strategies to consider during periods of inflation.

Revaluate your budget to absorb costs

There are ways to keep your profit margin intact without simply passing price increases along to the customer. Absorbing costs and adjusting your budget as a consequence may be an option to help battle inflation, rather than solely relying on price increases.

Revisit your budget and identify areas where costs can be reduced temporarily to avoid increasing prices too high, which will help counter the decrease in consumer buying power.

Consider consumer demand and price elasticity

Gaining insight into your company’s position within the market is key. Factors such as consumer demand can have a large impact on pricing strategies.

If your goods or services are in high demand, it is more likely that increasing prices will be successful. In these cases, products have a strong price elasticity, which allows prices to be raised without impacting sales. However, this is not always true.

Your pricing strategy should also take seasonal demand into consideration. During times of year when consumers are financially constrained, raising prices may lead to more consumer resistance.

Adopt digital technologies for long-term resiliency

On the other side of the coin, you may want to consider investing in technology to become more resilient to inflation in the long run. In the short-term, it may therefore be necessary to rely on price increases for this strategy.

According to recent research by Forrester, retailers in 2025 are leveraging technology to better reach and engage customers in novel ways during inflation. The logic here is partly due to the realities of deflationary technology, the idea that the cost of technology decreases in proportion to its usage.

One such technology that retailers are adopting is smart shelf tags. This electronic shelf label technologyseamlessly provides consumers with real-time access to price comparisons and available promotions, giving retailers a real edge when it comes to meeting today’s demands for accurate and effective pricing information across multiple locations and channels amidst an ever-changing price landscape.

Monitor your competitors’ pricing

Competitive pricing helps ensure that you always offer the best value for your customers. Monitoring your competitors’ pricing strategies will help inform your own decision-making process.

Knowing when competitors are likely to increase or lower their prices can be beneficial when setting your own prices. When inflation is high and competitors are changing their prices, you should be keeping an eye on their pricing strategies and making informed adjustments.

Implement a dynamic pricing model

A dynamic pricing model can be a great choice for companies during times of inflation. This model can help businesses maintain their profitability by automatically adjusting prices in real-time according to changes in different factors, such as supply chain costs and, as outlined above, market demand and competition. It is most effective when implemented in tandem with a pricing automation strategy, which relies on technology such as digital displays to implement the dynamic pricing model. This approach reduces the manual effort required for price adjustments while ensuring accuracy and competitiveness.

Tips for making price adjustments during inflation

Here are some tips to simplify making price changes during times of inflation:

Monitor the inflation rate: Review the inflation rate regularly and make sure you are aware of any changes that may affect the cost of goods and services.
Set pricing thresholds: Define thresholds for when prices should be adjusted to counteract the effects of inflation.
Consider the impact of price changes: Consider the potential impact of price changes on current and potential customers.
Communicate pricing changes: Let customers know about any pricing changes and explain why the changes are necessary.
Use discounts or promotions: Offer discounts or promotions to offset the effects of inflation on prices. Share promotions with customers on social media and in-store using digital signage or point-of-purchase displays.

JRTech Solutions can help you become resilient during inflation

Retailers can face tough challenges when inflation rates are high, due to increased production costs and reduced consumer spending. For continued profitability, it’s always a good idea to revaluate and optimize your pricing strategies.

JRTech’s electronic shelf labels (ESLs) provide an optimal solution for retailers to become more resilient in the face of inflation. Automating pricing with ESLs not only eliminates the need for manual price changes, but also provides valuable product data to your employees and consumers.

4 Key Drivers of Grocery Retail Competition in 2025

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The grocery retail landscape is undergoing a rapid transformation, driven by evolving consumer expectations and technological advancements. Understanding the key forces shaping competition is crucial for retailers aiming to thrive in the dynamic 2025 market.

This article delves into the four pivotal drivers that will dictate success in the grocery sector, examining how value-driven consumer behavior, the rise of omnichannel retail, the impact of technological innovations, and the growing focus on sustainability and health consciousness, are reshaping the competitive playing field.

1. Value-Driven Consumer Behavior

Faced with a variety of economic pressures, North American consumers are increasingly focused on affordability and value. In the grocery sector alone, food-at-home (grocery) prices in the U.S. are forecast to increase by 3.3% in 2025, according to the USDA Economic Research Service. In Canada, the Food Price Report 2025 predicts that overall food prices will increase by 3% to 5%. As of February 2025, Canada’s Consumer Price Index already showed a 2.8% increase in food purchased from stores over a 12-month period.

As a result of the steady rise in the cost of living, today’s consumers are increasingly prioritizing value, seeking out deals, and opting for private-label brands. Economic uncertainties and changing spending habits are driving this trend, and it means that retailers must put even more focus on tactics that these hard-pressed buyers will value:

Competitive pricing

Competitive pricing is a vital tactic in grocery retail because it directly addresses the price-sensitive nature of consumer behavior in this sector. Groceries are essential goods, and shoppers are often comparing prices across multiple stores to maximize their purchasing power.

By offering competitive prices, retailers can attract and retain customers, drive increased foot traffic, and boost sales volumes. In a market where margins can be tight, strategically managing pricing to remain competitive is crucial for maintaining a strong market position and ensuring long-term profitability.

Adopting approaches such as pricing automation is becoming more and more important, in order to respond to fast shifts in the market and maintain a competitive edge.

Promotions

In the 2025 grocery landscape, promotions remain a powerful tactic due to their ability to drive immediate sales and enhance customer engagement. With increasingly price-conscious consumers and a plethora of shopping options, well-executed promotions, such as targeted discounts, loyalty rewards, and bundled deals, can incentivize purchases and foster brand loyalty.

These promotions, particularly when integrated with omnichannel strategies, not only attract new customers but also encourage existing ones to increase their basket size and frequency of visits. In a market saturated with choices, promotions provide a compelling reason for consumers to choose a particular retailer, boosting market share and optimizing inventory turnover.

Offering high-quality private-label options

Offering high-quality private-label options in 2025 is a strategic imperative for grocery retailers. In a market where consumers are increasingly value-driven and seeking unique experiences, private-label brands provide a way to differentiate from competitors.

By investing in product development and quality control, retailers can offer exclusive, premium alternatives to national brands at competitive prices. This not only boosts profit margins but also cultivates customer loyalty, as shoppers perceive the retailer as a source of trusted, high-value products.

In an era of heightened brand awareness and digital transparency, well-executed private-label strategies can enhance a retailer’s reputation and create a distinctive brand identity, driving long-term customer engagement and market share.

2. The Rise of Omnichannel Retail

In 2025, the integration of online and offline shopping experiences is crucial. Consumers expect seamless transitions between digital and physical channels.

This involves optimizing online ordering, delivery services, in-store pickup, and leveraging technology to enhance the in-store shopping experience.

Online grocery shopping is growing rapidly, projected by Forrester to reach $334 billion globally by 2025. Retailers will need to optimize their e-commerce capabilities, including seamless delivery and inventory management systems, to compete effectively with digital-first competitors.

3. Technological Advancements

Technology is transforming grocery retail in various ways, including:

Autonomous inventory management;
AI-driven personalization;
Automation in warehousing and delivery;
Robotics for core operations;
Digital tools such as digital signage for enhanced customer engagement.

Retailers need to invest in technology to improve efficiency by investing in digital platforms and automation to enhance customer convenience and engagement, and to personalize the customer experience, in order to stay competitive.

4. Sustainability and Health Consciousness

Consumers are increasingly concerned about sustainability and health. They are seeking products that are environmentally friendly and promote well-being.

Supermarkets can respond to this increased preoccupation with wellness in the food industry by offering sustainable packaging, locally sourced products, and healthy food options.

Retailers can also focus on reducing food waste and improving energy efficiency.

Overall, retailers are innovating store formats and product offerings to cater to a variety of new customer expectations, including promoting health-conscious items, sustainable packaging, and ready-to-eat options. Differentiation through unique and healthy experiences and merchandise will be key to maintaining competitiveness.

JRTech provides the digital tools supermarkets need to stay competitive

The forces listed above are creating a dynamic and competitive landscape for grocery retailers in 2025. Adapting to these trends is essential for success in this landscape of economic uncertainty and evolving consumer preferences.

JRTech provides retailers with the digital display technology required to implement the rapid changes and personalized experiences that today’s consumers demand.

As the leading provider of Pricer Electronic Shelf Labels in North America, we provide digital interfaces that can display promotions, nutritional information, and more. As prices fluctuate, the information on ESLs can be changed rapidly, allowing for a successful dynamic pricing strategy that responds to the economic reality of the times.

The Electronic Shelf Labels offered by JRTech are a practical, environmentally-responsible, proven long-term solution for grocery store labeling. Contact us to learn more.

dynamic pricing

What is a Dynamic Pricing Strategy and How Does It Work?

Dynamic pricing is a game-changing strategy that’s revolutionizing how companies set prices for their products and services. This sophisticated approach uses real-time data and advanced algorithms to adjust prices on the fly, responding to market demand, competitor actions, consumer behavior, and specific business goals.

Although it has been used for decades in some industries, such as public transportation, electricity, entertainment, leisure, hospitality and travel, technological innovations and the integration of AI capabilities are now making dynamic pricing both possible and practical in retail and ecommerce environments.

This flexible price strategy – also called surge pricing, demand pricing or variable pricing – has become a powerful tool for optimizing sales and profitability.

What is dynamic pricing?

Dynamic pricing is a sophisticated pricing strategy that relies on advanced algorithms and artificial intelligence to adjust product or service prices in real-time based on various factors, including demand, inventory levels, consumer behavior, market trends and competitor pricing. It can be implemented in various retail and ecommerce environments.

Examples of dynamic pricing

In the grocery sector, for example, a variable pricing strategy can help manage supply and demand by changing prices to incentivize purchases, reduce waste, and optimize profit margins. This approach can be particularly effective for perishable items, where prices can be lowered to encourage sales before products expire.

In the pharmaceutical industry, adjusting medication prices in real-time can help manage supply chain challenges, prevent drug shortages, and maintain a balance between profitability and accessibility. For instance, prices might be adjusted during winter months to meet increased demand for respiratory medications, or during monsoon seasons for medicines addressing waterborne illnesses.

How does dynamic pricing work?

KEY Takeaway: An effective dynamic pricing strategy relies on data collection and analysis, algorithm processing, real-time price adjustments, balancing of objectives and continuous optimizing.

There are five main components to an effective dynamic pricing strategy:

1. Data collection and analysis

First, dynamic pricing algorithms collect and analyze vast amounts of data, including:

Historical sales data, including promotions
Current market demand
Competitor pricing
Inventory levels
Customer behavior
Seasonal trends
External factors (e.g., weather, events)

The data collected will depend on the type of retail environment, the sector of activity, and the unique priorities and objectives of the business.

2. Algorithm processing

Advanced algorithms, often powered by artificial intelligence and machine learning, process this data to determine optimal pricing. These algorithms can:

Identify significant parameters affecting price,
Generate mathematical models based on these parameters,
Learn and adapt over time to improve accuracy.

3. Real-time price adjustments

Based on the algorithm’s output, prices are adjusted in real-time to reflect current market conditions and maximize profits. This can involve:

Increasing prices during high demand periods,
Lowering prices to attract customers during off-peak times,
Matching or undercutting competitor prices.

4. Balancing of objectives

Dynamic pricing aims to find the optimal price point that balances multiple objectives, such as:

Maximizing revenue and profit margins
Maintaining customer satisfaction
Optimizing inventory management
Responding to market changes quickly.

5. Continuous optimization

The process is ongoing, with algorithms continuously learning from new data and adjusting pricing strategies accordingly.

Dynamic pricing technology: what retailers need to make variable pricing a reality

KEY Takeaway: Dynamic pricing technology implements advanced data collection and analysis capabilities via AI and ML to integrate systems and predict outcomes. An effective strategy also requires price automation software and connected digital displays.

To implement dynamic pricing effectively, businesses need to leverage several key technologies:

Data collection and analysis infrastructure: Robust systems are required to gather and process large volumes of data from various sources, including real-time data, historical sales data, market trends, competitor pricing, and customer behavior. Cloud-based solutions provide the necessary scalability and processing power to handle complex pricing algorithms and large datasets.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML): These are the core technologies powering modern dynamic pricing systems. AI and ML algorithms analyze the vast amounts of data gathered in order to predict demand, understand customer behavior, and determine optimal pricing in real-time.
Integration systems and predictive analytics tools: These tools allow seamless integration with existing e-commerce platforms, inventory management systems, and other relevant business software. They are used in combination with predictive analytics tools to forecast demand, identify pricing trends, and optimize strategies based on historical and current data.
Price automation software: Businesses will also need software that can automatically adjust prices based on the insights generated by AI algorithms without constant human intervention.

Digital interfaces: In retail environments, Electronic Shelf Labels provide the required digital interface for displaying changing prices in a practical manner on a large scale. Digital price tags make it possible to adjust prices on multiple products as many times as necessary from a central management system. This wireless technology is key to implementing a dynamic price strategy in one or more brick-and-mortar retail outlets.

Dynamic pricing methods: choose the best approach for your business

There are many types of dynamic pricing models, and businesses must choose the most appropriate and relevant approach based on their sector and goals. Here are a few examples of dynamic pricing methods that are relevant to ecommerce and retail:

Time-Based Pricing

This method adjusts prices based on specific time periods, such as peak hours, seasons, or weekdays versus weekends. It can also reflect business goals related to inventory management. For example, retailers often adjust the price of older collections when new products arrive in-store. Delivery services can also be adjusted based on time, with same-day delivery costing more than next-day delivery.

Segmented Pricing

This strategy involves charging different prices to different customer groups based on their characteristics or behaviors. For instance, high-value customers might be offered higher prices if they prioritize service speed and quality over price. Senior citizens may be offered lower prices based on their age and status.

Demand-Based Pricing

This approach adjusts prices in real-time based on current market demand. Prices are raised during periods of high demand and lowered during periods of low demand. Airlines and hotels have been implementing this form of dynamic pricing for many years, but the advanced capabilities of AI are making it possible to implement this type of pricing strategy with more precision in retail environments like grocery stores. Whereas pricing adjustments made according to season or festival have always been the norm, today’s prices can also reflect global market trends and predicted fluctuations in stock. This method is sometimes referred to as inventory-based pricing.

Benefits of dynamic pricing

There are several significant advantages to using a dynamic pricing strategy in retail. While the overall result will be maximized revenue and profit margins, a flexible price strategy will also impact inventory, competitiveness, the ability to adjust in changing market conditions, cash flow, and the practical use of data.

Improved inventory management: By adjusting prices based on stock levels, retailers can better manage their inventory, promoting sales of slow-moving items and maximizing profits on high-demand products.

Flexibility and competitiveness in various market conditions: Adapting to changing market conditions in real time, including during times of economic uncertainty or disruption, allows retailers to stay competitive in a fast-moving market.

Better customer insights: The process as a whole allows retailers to gain an improved understanding of customer preferences, buying habits, and price sensitivity. It’s all about enhanced data collection as well as more focused use of data-driven insights.

Optimized cash flow: Dynamic pricing allows retailers to optimize their pricing based on real-time demand, inventory levels, and market trends, leading to increased revenue and profitability. Even during periods of lower demand, it can help you maintain revenue streams by adjusting prices to stimulate sales.

The future of retail is flexibility

The key to an effective dynamic pricing strategy is to remain flexible. By leveraging sophisticated algorithms and real-time data analysis, businesses can make informed pricing decisions that respond quickly to market changes and consumer behavior, ultimately aiming to maximize profitability and competitiveness.

There is no better time to create a dynamic pricing system that is responsive, accurate, and founded on proven technology.

As the leading provider of Pricer Electronic Shelf Labels in North America, JRTech provides retailers with the digital display technology they need to implement an effective dynamic pricing strategy. Our labels can display stock levels, promotions, nutritional information and QR codes. They are a practical, environmentally-responsible long-term solution for retail labeling that has already taken numerous large-scale retailers to the next level. Contact us to learn more.

dynamic pricing

Grocery Store Layout Strategies: From Entry to Checkout

From the strategic placement of fresh produce at the entrance to the subtle positioning of impulse-buy items near the checkout, every aspect of a grocery store’s design must be meticulously planned. In this blog post, we will explore how grocery store layout strategies influence consumer behavior and sales.

Whether you’re looking to refresh your store’s design or refine your merchandising approach, this exploration will equip you with actionable insights to elevate your retail strategy. Embrace the power of strategic store layout design, and watch as it transforms your business, one aisle at a time.

Why does grocery store layout matter?

A strategic grocery store layout directly drives sales and shapes the customer journey. Beyond simply organizing products, an optimized layout creates an intuitive shopping flow that guides customers to what they need while maximizing exposure to high-margin items. When customers can navigate easily and discover products naturally, they spend more time in store and increase their basket size.

To illustrate the impact that strategic store layouts can have on consumer purchasing behavior and overall sales, a study conducted by the University of Southampton found that altering supermarket layouts to place healthier items like fruits and vegetables near store entrances can lead to nearly 10,000 additional portions of these items being sold weekly per store. Simultaneously, sales of confectionery items decreased by approximately 1,500 portions weekly when these were moved away from high-traffic areas such as checkouts and aisle ends.

With 8,850 grocery businesses in Canada, a good layout strategy is especially important to stay competitive, as rising consumer expectations around personalization and seamless shopping experiences demand thoughtful store design. By combining smart layout strategies with emerging digital tools, retailers can create an environment that not only delights customers but also drives profitability.

Main benefits of a grocery store layout strategy

To fully capitalize on strategic store design, modern retailers are increasingly turning to advanced technology. Through AI and IoT solutions like Electronic Shelf Labels and digital signage, stores can now collect and analyze granular data about customer behavior, sales patterns, and traffic flow.

This integration of digital infrastructure with physical layout (referred to as phygital retail) enables real-time optimization and delivers several key advantages:

Sales Performance Benefits

Strategic customer flow patterns increase exposure to products and encourage impulse purchases
Larger basket sizes and higher overall sales reduce food waste
Clear sightlines and strategic placement of high-margin items boost key product sales
Prominent brand placement improves recognition and drives sales of branded products

Customer Experience Optimization

Intuitive layout enables efficient product discovery
Reduced congestion through well-planned traffic flow
Comfortable pathways between departments enhance browsing
Improved navigation increases customer satisfaction and loyalty

Operational Efficiency Benefits

Integration with Electronic Shelf Labels streamlines inventory management
Data-driven layout reduces stockouts
Efficient space utilization minimizes operational costs
Continuous analysis enables proactive layout refinement

The key to maximizing these benefits lies in ongoing analysis and optimization. By implementing the right digital infrastructure and analytics tools, retailers can create dynamic store environments that adapt to changing customer needs while driving sustainable business growth.

Grocery store layout best practices

When it comes to supermarket layout, there are several best practices that can help optimize sales, improve customer experience, and refine overall store efficiency. These approaches are time-tested and proven to work. Here are some key strategies to consider:

Strategic Product Placement

Produce at the entrance: Place fresh produce near the store entrance. This creates a positive first impression and sets a healthy, fresh tone for the shopping experience.
Staples at the back: Place common staple items like milk, eggs, and bread towards the back of the store. This encourages customers to walk through more aisles, increasing exposure to other products.
Group related items together: Make the most of cross-selling opportunities by grouping related items together. For example, place salsa and dips near chips, or coffee filters near coffee grounds to inspire additional purchases.

Customer Flow and Navigation

Intuitive organization: Design your floor plan in a logical, predictable manner that aligns with how customers typically shop. Group similar items together and create a natural flow through the store.
Clear signage: Use large, easily readable signs throughout the store to guide customers to different departments and aisles. Digital signage is an environmentally-friendly tool for improving in-store communication, that also allows for easy updates to accommodate promotions, real-time marketing and omnichannel approaches. Studies have shown that 32.8% of customers who have seen digital signage in a store will become repeat buyers, and that implementing digital displays can increase foot traffic by 24%.
Wide aisles: Make sure aisles are wide enough to accommodate shopping carts and prevent congestion, especially in high-traffic areas.

Maximizing Sales Opportunities

Impulse purchase zones: Create attractive displays near checkout counters featuring grab-and-go items like snacks, drinks, and candy to encourage last-minute purchases.
Make the most of endcaps: Place top-selling items or promotional products in these highly visible locations.
Eye-level placement: Position high-margin or popular items at eye level to increase their visibility and likelihood of purchase.

Adaptability and Freshness

Regular layout updates: Refresh your supermarket layout periodically to reflect new arrivals, promotions, and seasonal trends. This keeps the shopping experience interesting for repeat customers.
Flexible fixtures: Use movable shelving and display units to easily adapt your layout for different seasons or promotions.

Customer Comfort and Experience

Decompression zone: Create a welcoming entrance area that allows customers to transition into shopping mode. This might include floral displays or a coffee shop that wakes up their senses and prepares shoppers for further engagement in the shopping experience as they continue through the store.
Consider line of sight: Plan your layout with customer sightlines in mind, and confirm that key products and departments are visible from various points in the store.

By implementing these best practices, grocery retailers can create an environment that not only meets customer needs but also drives profitability and fosters long-term business growth. Remember to continually analyze customer behavior, sales data, and traffic patterns to refine and optimize your store layout over time.

Optimize your grocery store with the right digital tools from JRTech

The importance of an efficient grocery store layout cannot be overstated for retailers looking to thrive in today’s competitive market. Thoughtful design strategies create a shopping environment that not only delivers an appealing customer experience but also significantly boosts your bottom line.

As you move forward, consider regularly reviewing and refining your layout based on customer feedback, sales data, and emerging retail trends. Use the right digital tools to collect valuable information about how well your store is functioning, and make informed decisions so that your layout remains fresh, engaging, and primed for success in the ever-evolving world of grocery retail.

JRTech is the leading provider of Pricer Electronic Shelf Labels in North America. We provide supermarkets and other retailers with leading-edge digital retail solutions and are proud to have helped numerous major retailers streamline their operations, reduce waste, improve their customer experience and more thanks to our innovative technologies. Contact us to learn more.

Smart Pricing in a Changing Market: How Electronic Shelf Labels Help Consumers Navigate Tariff-Affected Products

The Shift in Consumer Habits

The current and ongoing threat of tariffs between the USA and Canada has led to a significant cultural shift in the buying habits of consumers. With growing economic tensions, Canadian consumers are making a conscious effort to support local businesses and products. This shift is not just a reaction to economic policies but also a reflection of national pride, as more consumers actively seek out Canadian-made goods.

Retailers Identifying Locally Made Products

As consumer preferences evolve, retailers are working to identify and promote Canadian-made products more effectively within their stores. To address this need, JRTech Solutions and the non-profit organization Well-Made-Here/Bien-Fait-Ici have partnered to integrate the Well-Made-Here/Bien-Fait-Ici certification into JRTech’s electronic shelf labels (ESLs) in hardware stores across Canada. This initiative ensures that products meeting the organization’s criteria are clearly marked, making it easier for shoppers to identify and choose locally produced goods which comply with Canadian building codes and standards (source).

Similarly, Laferté Hardware was the first Hardware store to leverage JRTech Solutions’ ESLs to highlight Quebec-made products with a fleur-de-lis icon and Canadian-made products with a maple leaf icon. These dynamic labels provide a seamless way for retailers to support and promote domestic goods while aligning with consumer demand.

Tariff Identification on Store Labels

Recently, Loblaws, a major Canadian supermarket chain announced a new initiative to help customers navigate the impact of tariffs. The retailer is incorporating a “T” symbol on price labels to indicate products that have increased in cost due to tariffs (source). This move echoes the importance of transparency in pricing, allowing consumers to make more informed purchasing decisions in response to external economic pressures.

The Role of ESLs During Crisis Periods

The COVID-19 pandemic provided a clear demonstration of the importance of adaptable pricing technology in retail during challenging times. During the pandemic, retailers faced an exponential increase in supplier-driven price changes, often with fewer employees available to manually update pricing. JRTech Solutions’ ESLs allowed retailers to instantly update prices across stores with minimal effort, ensuring accuracy and operational efficiency. This was a welcome relief to retailers who were burdened by doing more with less staff while also implementing COVID-related health measures within their stores. Following the pandemic, JRTech conducted a study to assess retailers’ perceptions of ESLs after having dealt with the first wave of the pandemic. The findings revealed that 92% of retailers viewed electronic shelf labels as essential to their operations, particularly in addressing challenges imposed by crises like COVID-19.

ESLs: A Solution for Price Volatility and Trade Uncertainty

Today, the ongoing trade tensions between the U.S. and Canada present new challenges for both retailers and consumers on both sides of the border. Fluctuating currency values and tariff-related price increases create uncertainty, making it more difficult for retailers to maintain stable pricing strategies. ESL technology provides a powerful solution by allowing stores to dynamically adjust prices in response to economic changes while simultaneously identifying product provenance through national symbols or tariff indicators.

This real-time adaptability of electronic shelf labels ensures that customers are always informed about pricing changes while enabling retailers to remain competitive in an unpredictable economic climate.

ESLs are proving to be more than just pricing tools; they are becoming critical assets for retail adaptability. Whether addressing shifts in consumer preference, responding to supply chain disruptions, or navigating international trade tensions, ESLs provide retailers with the agility they need to stay ahead. By embracing this technology, retailers can not only meet evolving market demands but also prepare for unforeseen challenges in an increasingly unpredictable future.

As the retail landscape continues to evolve, businesses must evaluate how ESLs can enhance their operations—not just for current market conditions but for whatever challenges may arise next.