How Can Electronic Price Labels Help the Retail Industry Improve?

In today's highly competitive retail world, electronic price labels have become a game-changer. They're not just about showing prices—they're about making stores run smoother, attracting more customers, and using data to make better decisions. Take HIGHLIGHT's HAM213 electronic shelf label (ESL), for example. It's a great example of how smart tech can boost retail performance. Let's dive into how these labels are shaking up the industry, with a closer look at what makes the HAM213 stand out.

1. Saving Time and Cutting Mistakes in Daily Operations

One of the biggest wins with electronic price labels is how much they simplify price changes. Think about traditional paper labels—every time there's a sale, a stock change, or a new product, someone has to manually update each label. That's a ton of work! Studies show EPLs can cut 90% of the labor costs related to changing prices and reduce 60% of paper waste. For a typical supermarket, that means saving thousands of hours each year. Instead of spending all day sticking new labels, staff can focus on helping customers or managing inventory better.

The HAM213 is awesome at this. It uses 2.4GHz wireless tech to update prices across the whole store quickly. One base station can connect to 5,000 labels within 20 meters, so even big stores can manage updates easily. Plus, its electronic ink display uses very little power, so the battery lasts ages—no need to replace them often. HIGHLIGHT is a leader in this space, holding 28% of the global market share for these labels, thanks to reliable products like the HAM213.

2. Staying Flexible with Real-Time Price Changes

In retail, being able to change prices fast is crucial. Whether it's matching a competitor's price, running a flash sale, or clearing old stock, delays can cost sales. Electronic price labels let you update prices in seconds across the entire store. No more waiting for printed labels or worrying about mismatched prices between online and in-store.

The HAM213 takes this further with its ability to show prices in 16+ languages—super useful for stores in diverse areas. The display is sharp (122x250 pixels, 130 DPI) and easy to read from any angle (178° viewing angle), so even when the store is busy, customers can see prices clearly. HIGHLIGHT sells most of its products overseas (95.72% of revenue), which shows how well the HAM213 works for global retailers.

3. Making Shopping More Engaging for Customers

Electronic price labels aren't just about numbers—they can help engage shoppers too. Many labels can show promotions, QR codes for more info, or product details. When displays are dynamic, customers tend to spend 20–30% more time in the store, which often leads to more impulse buys.

The HAM213 looks sleek and fits nicely with any store design, so it doesn't look clunky or out of place. It doesn't flicker like some screens, which is easier on the eyes. You can bold text or use symbols to highlight sales or new arrivals, grabbing customers' attention without being annoying. For stores with diverse customers, the language support makes sure everyone understands the messages, which builds a more welcoming experience.

4. Using Data to Make Smarter Business Moves

These labels also act as data collectors. By tracking which products get the most attention or how price changes affect sales, retailers can make smarter decisions. For example, if a certain shelf section always has people stopping, you might want to put more popular items there. Or if a price drop leads to a sales spike, you can plan more promotions around that product.

The HAM213 connects to HIGHLIGHT's smart platform, which gathers data from all the labels and turns it into useful insights. It sends data quickly and reliably, so you can trust the numbers when adjusting prices or planning stock. As the global market for these labels is expected to hit $349 billion by 2028, tools like the HAM213 are key for stores wanting to stay ahead with tech.

Why the HAM213 Is a Top Choice

What makes the HAM213 stand out? It's durable, works in tough environments (humidity, temperature changes), and is easy to set up. You don't need fancy new systems—it connects with what you already have, like cash registers or inventory software. That saves money on both buying and training staff.