Asda has introduced a significant change to its grocery store cabinets however not all customers will find it irresistible.

The grocery store chain is trialling the usage of digital shelf edge labels at certainly one of its Specific comfort shops within the centre of Manchester.

The labels will characteristic all the similar data that’s normally on the paper ones, together with product costs, weight and the unit worth, however this can as an alternative be displayed on a digital display screen.

It signifies that Asda can subject pricing updates on merchandise in as little as 15 seconds, permitting workers to make modifications on the click on of a button.

The grocery store is working in partnership with Vusion Group to put in 3,000 digital shelf labels on the Oxford Highway retailer.

The trial will run for 12 weeks and goals to simplify operations of workers in order that they will spend extra of their time assembly the wants of consumers.

The Manchester Oxford Highway retailer sees a excessive quantity of footfall which Asda says will assist it to “stress check” the expertise.

The labels shall be utilized to all kinds of merchandise, together with frozen and contemporary produce, in-store bakery gadgets, toiletries and alcohol.

However the transfer received’t be to the style of all customers as fears have been raised that the digital labels may end in “unpredictability” of costs.

Pricing professional Matt Wills beforehand instructed the BBC: “With a scarcity of readability on what the reference worth is, shoppers may not realise they’re getting a deal in any respect. This might additionally result in unpredictability of costs, inflicting added problems for folks on a funds squeeze, if gadgets are seen to be regularly altering in worth.”

He added that there is a threat of “worth discrimination”, with some merchandise costs being hiked due to greater demand in a selected space.

The labels might also make it more difficult for customers to identify price-cut gadgets as they aren’t as seen because the brightly colored paper labels, which are sometimes yellow, crimson or orange to focus on diminished gadgets.

Chris Walker, Managing Director of Asda Specific, stated: “We’re delighted to launch a brand new trial of digital shelf edge labels, as we proceed to put money into enhancing our instore processes.

“This ‘check and study’ trial won’t solely assist to simplify operations for colleagues within the retailer, however it’s going to additionally present us with invaluable learnings that may form future expertise rollouts into shops. We sit up for listening to suggestions from prospects and colleagues on the trial.”

Asda has beforehand examined comparable expertise at its Stevenage superstore in 2023 and says it hopes to proceed investing in future expertise trials inside its Specific property as a part of efforts to supply an enhanced in-store buyer expertise.

Specific.co.uk has contacted Asda for remark.