DIGITAL SHELF LABELS: How They Work and Why They Matter

Digital shelf labels (DSLs) are small electronic price displays that replace paper tags in grocery stores and retail shops. They help ensure that the price on the shelf matches the price at checkout, reduce errors, and allow stores to update discounts quickly — helping customers see accurate prices and access savings faster. 

 Here’s what you need to know about digital shelf labels: 

  • DIGITAL SHELF LABELS IMPROVE PRICE ACCURACY AND TRANSPARENCY 

    • Digital shelf labels modernize how prices are displayed — they do not determine or change prices. They ensure customers see the correct price at checkout, reduce mismatches, and help retailers update discounts quickly. Stores using DSLs have reported spending up to 60% less time on price changes, allowing discounts to reach customers faster.  

  • DIGITAL SHELF LABELS DO NOT TRACK SHOPPERS OR COLLECT PERSONAL DATA 

    • Digital shelf labels simply display prices. They do not track individual shoppers, collect personal information, or change prices based on who you are. The price displayed on a digital shelf label is visible to everyone in the store — customers, employees, and regulators alike — making shopping more transparent. 

  •  DIGITAL SHELF LABELS REDUCE COSTS AND IMPROVE EFFICIENCY 

    • Without digital shelf labels, employees spend many hours manually printing, cutting, and replacing paper tags. This labor-intensive process can slow down operations and increase costs. Digital shelf labels streamline this work, helping stores operate more efficiently and allowing price updates and discounts to reach customers more quickly.  

  • DIGITAL SHELF LABELS SUPPORT WORKERS AND IMPROVE CUSTOMER SERVICE 

    • By reducing repetitive tasks like changing paper tags, digital shelf labels allow employees to focus on helping customers, stocking shelves, and keeping stores running smoothly. This improves job quality, reduces workplace strain, and enhances the overall shopping experience.  

  • DIGITAL SHELF LABELS HELP MAIN STREET COMPETE WITH SMART GUARDRAILS

    • Digital shelf labels help level the playing field between brick-and-mortar stores and large online platforms that can change prices instantly, 24/7. Technology and innovation should be encouraged – but policies should not tilt the market toward companies that already dominate e-commerce. By allowing local retailers and small businesses to update prices efficiently and accurately, DSLs help encourage Main Street to compete in a modern retail environment while operating within clear, consistent rules that protect consumers.