🔍 Electronic Shelf Labels Evolve
Instacart’s electronic shelf labels (ESLs) have taken a step forward with a new “pick-to-light” feature, now implemented in Aldi, Gelson’s, and Hornbacher’s stores. This functionality, which Instacart shared on Thursday, highlights items with a flashing light, making products easier to locate for both customers and store staff. The service, part of Instacart’s Connected Stores suite, aims to reduce errors and speed up in-store order fulfillment.
📲 Tech Expands to Smart Carts
Instacart plans to add the pick-to-light technology to its Caper Carts, which lets customers select items to flash directly on their smart carts. Users can view digital shopping lists and items from ads or coupons on Instacart’s app and website. Instacart believes this tech can bridge digital and in-store shopping experiences, creating a streamlined, efficient shopping trip for customers.
🛒 Testing Shows Promising Results
Earlier this year, a pilot program tested Carrot Tags’ pick-to-light at over 70 Schnuck Markets locations. Instacart noted that the new tech improved found rates and reduced the time it took to pick products by about a minute per item. The success of this test has fueled its expansion to additional grocers, many of which are embracing ESLs to compete with digital-first shopping experiences.
🤝 New Partnerships for Storefront Pro
Instacart has also announced partnerships to expand its Storefront Pro e-commerce service. Retailers including Harmons, Sprouts Farmers Market, and The Save Mart Companies have adopted or upgraded to the latest version of Storefront Pro. Instacart says that more than 600 retail brands now rely on its omnichannel tech offerings, underscoring the push to integrate both online and in-store experiences.
Will more retailers adopt digital shelf technology?
