Before becoming high-definition, Wi-Fi-connected screens, Electronic Shelf Labels (ESL) were nothing more than simple calculators attached to shelves. It is hard to imagine today that such a refined technology had such humble beginnings.

Yet, this evolution was born out of a pressing necessity: why did retailers seek to automate price displays? The answer lies in three main factors: human error, rising costs, and skyrocketing inflation. Every manual price change represented hours of labor, risks of inaccuracy, and tons of wasted paper.

Let’s embark on a journey through three decades of retail innovation that transformed the way we shop.

1. The 1990s: The Era of LCD and Infrared

The 1990s saw the first real attempts to replace paper labels. Pioneers in the sector began experimenting with the technology available at the time: Liquid Crystal Displays (LCD), similar to those found on digital watches or pocket calculators.

These early systems used infrared communication to transmit pricing data from a central computer to the labels. While the concept was revolutionary, the execution left much to be desired. The viewing angles of LCD screens were extremely limited, forcing customers to stand directly in front of the label to read the price. Battery life was another major hurdle, requiring frequent replacements across the entire store.

The Achilles’ heel of these systems? The infrared communication itself.

Much like a television remote, it required a direct line of sight. In a busy retail environment, the signal was constantly blocked by products, shopping carts, or customers moving through the aisles. It was, quite literally, an operational headache.

2. The 2000s–2010s: The Arrival of E-ink and Radio Frequencies

The real technological turning point came with the introduction of electronic ink, the same technology that propelled Kindle e-readers to the top of the charts. For electronic labels, this was a revolution.

Unlike LCD screens, e-paper offers perfect readability from all angles, mimicking printed paper exactly. However, its greatest asset lies elsewhere: it only consumes energy when the display changes. Once the information is set, the screen maintains it without any power supply. Batteries that once lasted a few months could now last several years.

Simultaneously, retailers abandoned fickle infrared technology in favor of Radio Frequency (RF) waves. This transition finally enabled reliable price updates across the entire store, regardless of physical obstacles. Systems became more robust, more predictable, and more professional.

3. 2015–2025: The Era of Color and the IoT

Electronic labels reached a new milestone by moving beyond simple black and white. The addition of red and yellow allowed for special promotions to be highlighted, instantly catching the consumer’s eye. This simple touch of color transformed the label into a powerful marketing tool.

Interactivity also entered the equation. Integrated NFC chips now allow customers to scan a label with their phone to access detailed nutritional information, browse recipes, or unlock personalized coupons. QR codes complete this digital ecosystem, creating a seamless bridge between the physical and online worlds.

However, the true revolution of this decade is Dynamic Pricing. Retailers can now update thousands of prices in seconds, responding in real-time to competitor actions, demand fluctuations, or inventory surpluses. Commercial agility has reached unprecedented levels.

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Why is this evolution crucial for grocery stores today?

In the current context, electronic labels are no longer a simple technological gadget. They respond to major operational stakes that determine the very survival of retail businesses.

Faced with the chronic labor shortage, automating price display frees up employees so that they can concentrate on customer service, the preparation of online orders, or shelf maintenance. Every hour saved counts.

Precision also becomes non-negotiable. In Quebec, the price accuracy law imposes fines on retailers whose displayed prices do not match those recorded at the checkout. ESLs guarantee a total and permanent synchronization, eliminating this costly risk.

Finally, in an era where sustainable development is no longer optional, the massive elimination of paper waste becomes a significant ecological argument. No more daily printing, no more laminators running at full speed, no more waste to manage.

From simple wobbly LCD displays to today’s connected color screens, electronic labels have traveled a remarkable path. This technology no longer represents a luxury reserved for large chains, but a true survival tool against the e-commerce giants who are redefining consumer expectations.

Don’t stay in the past. Contact JR Tech Solutions to modernize your grocery store with the latest 2025 ESL technologies.

The consumer of 2025 is no longer satisfied with just looking at a price. They want information, transparency, and immediacy. In front of a bag of fair-trade coffee, they ask themselves: where do these beans really come from? Does this artisanal cheese deserve its price? What are the reviews from other buyers?

The challenge for retailers becomes obvious: how to offer the richness of the Internet (customer reviews, detailed technical sheets, product origin) inside a physical store? How to compete with the digital experience of Amazon while preserving the advantages of local commerce?

The solution already exists, and it lies in a gesture as simple as a contactless payment: the NFC chip integrated into electronic labels. This magical bridge between the physical and the digital redefines what a label can accomplish.

What is NFC on an electronic label?

Let’s start by demystifying the technology. NFC (Near Field Communication) allows for interaction through simple contact or immediate proximity, exactly like when you pay with your bank card or your phone. Unlike a QR code, which forces you to open the camera, frame the image, and wait for it to load, NFC works instantly: you bring your phone close, and the information appears.

The major technical advantage? No application to download. NFC technology is native to almost all current smartphones, whether they run on Android or iOS. For the customer, it is invisible and natural. For the retailer, it is universal.

Cutting-edge solutions now integrate this chip directly beneath the e-ink screen of the electronic label, creating a perfectly harmonious device. The label maintains its sleek appearance while becoming a true gateway to a universe of information.

4 ways to reinvent the customer experience thanks to NFC

1. Total transparency (Augmented product sheet)

With a simple contact of their phone, the customer instantly accesses the complete list of ingredients, information on allergens, or the fascinating story of the local producer. Does this olive oil really come from a small family mill in Tuscany? NFC can display photos of the olive grove, introduce the master oil-maker, and even recount traditional harvesting techniques.

For consumers concerned about their health or the environment, this transparency becomes a decisive selling point. They no longer blindly trust marketing packaging; they verify.

2. Contextual marketing and promotions

Imagine a customer hesitating in front of a 35-dollar bottle of wine. The moment they scan the label with their phone, an exclusive offer appears: buy two bottles today and save 15%. The coupon is automatically added to their loyalty account, ready to be applied at the checkout.

This approach transforms indecision into a purchase while creating a sense of exclusivity. The customer feels as though they are benefiting from a privilege reserved for informed people—those who take the time to explore.

3. Decision-making aid (reviews and ratings)

In front of a premium product, whether it is a vintage wine, organic cosmetic, or an electronic device, doubt often sets in. By instantly displaying the ratings and reviews of other customers via NFC, you reassure the buyer at the critical moment of their decision.

This functionality reproduces one of the major advantages of online commerce in-store, while allowing the customer to leave immediately with their purchase rather than waiting for a delivery.

4. Recipes and complementary products

This is where NFC truly becomes intelligent. Imagine a customer standing in front of the artisanal Italian pasta aisle. They scan the tag and discover an authentic carbonara sauce recipe, along with a list of complementary ingredients: pancetta available at the deli counter (Aisle 2), 24-month aged Parmesan (Aisle 3), and free-range eggs (Aisle 7). The result? The average basket size increases naturally because you are fostering culinary inspiration rather than relying on aggressive sales tactics.

Why retailers love NFC (Business side)

Beyond improving the customer experience, NFC offers considerable strategic advantages for savvy retailers.

Data collection becomes surgical. You now know which products generate interest but do not sell. If a thousand people scan the label of an artisanal cheese but only fifty buy it, you have identified a problem: price too high, unattractive packaging, or simply a need for free samples to convince those who are hesitant.

Omnichannel becomes fluid and natural. A customer spots an interesting product but wants to order in bulk? The NFC instantly directs them to your e-commerce site with the product already added to the cart. Do they prefer home delivery rather than carrying heavy bags? A simple contact with the label launches the process.

Loyalty building is elegantly automated. Allow the instant addition of a product to a favorites list in your store’s application. The customer progressively builds their purchasing profile, and you collect precious data on their actual rather than supposed preferences.

Implementation: Is it complex for a grocer?

The beauty of the NFC system lies in its operational simplicity. The link associated with each chip is managed via the same software platform as the one used to modify prices. Changing the destination URL of a label literally takes the same amount of time as adjusting a price: a few clicks, and it’s done.

Are you launching a promotion on rosé wines for the summer? Modify the NFC links for the entire department in less than five minutes to direct toward a page of summer cocktail recipes. Are you receiving a new batch of local products? Quickly create dedicated pages introducing the producers and link them to the relevant labels.

On the sustainability side, NFC chips consume no additional energy. They remain passive until a phone activates them, thus preserving the legendary battery life of electronic labels, which can reach five to ten years.

In brief

NFC radically transforms the price tag. From a simple cost indicator, it becomes a silent and ultra-competent salesperson, available 24 hours a day, capable of answering all questions and adapting instantly to the needs of each customer.

In a world where consumers demand ever more information and transparency, this technology is no longer a futuristic luxury but a competitive necessity. Retailers who adopt it create an enriched shopping experience that rivals online commerce while capitalizing on the unique advantages of the physical store.

Do you want to test interactivity on the shelf? Contact JR Tech Solutions for a demonstration of our next-generation smart labels.

Do you manage a grocery store in Quebec and wonder how to compete with large retail chains without breaking the bank? You are not alone. Small grocery stores face major challenges: tight margins, labor shortages, and increasing customer expectations. However, solutions exist to modernize your store, optimize your operations, and provide a flawless customer experience.

At JR Tech Solutions, we support grocery stores of all sizes in adopting simple, effective, and affordable technologies. Our specialty? Electronic Shelf Labels (ESL), a key solution to save time, reduce errors, and boost your sales.

Why Must Small Grocery Stores Modernize?

Big-box stores invest heavily in technology to attract customers. But you don’t need a colossal budget to compete. The trick? Choosing targeted tools that are easy to deploy and cost-effective.

Today’s customers are looking for:

• Competitive and transparent pricing.
• A seamless shopping experience (no long lines, clear promotions).
• Personalized service (advice, local products, loyalty).

With the right technology, you can offer all of this without sacrificing your profitability.

Electronic Labels: The Primary Tool to Compete with Big-Box Stores

Imagine never having to print, cut, and tape paper labels again. Imagine being able to change your prices in one click from your computer or tablet. This is exactly what Electronic Shelf Labels (ESL) allow you to do.

Why are ESLs essential in 2025?

• Significant Time Savings: With ESLs, the hours spent manually updating prices are over. One change in your management system and all your labels update instantly. For a medium-sized grocery store, this represents up to 10 hours of work saved per week.
• Reduction in Pricing Errors: A misplaced or illegible paper label can be costly: unhappy customers, lost sales, or even fines. ESLs eliminate this risk by always displaying the correct price, synchronized with your point-of-sale (POS) system.
• Flexibility for Promotions: Want to launch a flash sale on dairy products? With ESLs, you can adjust your prices in real-time, even several times a day. This is ideal for clearing stock or reacting to the competition.
• Modern and Professional Image: Customers perceive stores equipped with ESLs as innovative and reliable : a detail that makes a real difference when facing large retailers.

How JR Tech Solutions Simplifies ESL Adoption

We know that every grocery store has unique needs. That’s why we offer:

• Modular solutions: Start with a few aisles and expand progressively.
• Full support: Installation, staff training, and technical support.
• Labels adapted to your budget: Leasing or purchasing options for every need.

Optimizing Management and Customer Experience with the Right Tools

Managing a grocery store involves juggling multiple tasks: tracking stock, satisfying customers, and optimizing sales. Simple and effective tools exist to help you automate these processes.

• Inventory and Price Management Software: Track products in real-time, avoid stockouts, and quickly identify bestsellers or items needing a promotion. These solutions adapt to various departments, whether you have a deli, a butcher shop, or a general grocery section.
• Contactless Payment: Today’s customers want fast, contactless payments. Offering this option reduces queues and improves overall satisfaction. Modern payment terminals integrate easily into your existing POS system.
• Loyalty Programs: Retaining customers is far more profitable than attracting new ones. Use simple tools to set up rewards programs, send personalized offers via email or SMS, and analyze buying habits to tailor your assortment.
• Click & Collect and Delivery: Convenience is key. Offering click & collect or local delivery allows you to expand your customer base without opening a new location. This is especially popular with families, seniors, and busy professionals.

How to Choose the Right Technologies for Your Store

With so many options, it can be hard to know where to start. Here is a simple approach:

1. Identify Challenges: Are you losing time on labels? Are your lines too long? Do you struggle with loyalty? Target the tools that solve your specific pain points.
2. Evaluate Budget: Prioritize solutions with a quick return on investment (ROI), such as management software or electronic labels.
3. Team Training: Organize short sessions for every new tool and appoint an internal “champion” to assist colleagues. This ensures smooth adoption.
4. Measure Results: Track indicators like time saved, sales increases, or customer satisfaction to optimize your tool usage.

JR Tech Solutions: Your Partner for a Competitive Grocery Store

At JR Tech Solutions, we believe technology should simplify your daily life, not complicate it.

1. Electronic Labels Tailored to Your Needs

• Turnkey installation: We handle everything from configuration to training.
• Modular solutions: Start small and grow as you go.
• Local support: A Montreal-based team to answer your questions.

2. Jargon-Free Support We explain technology in simple terms. Our goal is for you to master your tools without stress.

3. Concrete Results Our clients typically see:

• An 80% reduction in pricing errors.
• 5 to 10 hours saved per week on label management.
• Increased sales through dynamic promotions.

Next Steps: Take Action Today!

Ready to modernize your grocery store? Here’s how to get started:

1. Contact us for an information session on ESLs and discover how they can transform your store.
2. Evaluate your needs with our team to choose the most suitable technologies.
3. Launch a pilot project (e.g., ESLs in one department) and measure the results.

Don’t let the big-box stores take over. With the right technology, your grocery store can offer a more personal, faster, and more modern experience than the industry giants.

Ready to take the first step? Contact JR Tech Solutions today for a free consultation. Together, let’s give your store the tools to shine in 2025.

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.

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.

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.

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.