Five Real-World ESL Challenges Retailers Face—And How to Overcome Them
Electronic shelf labels (ESLs) are changing the game in retail—but getting them up and running isn’t always easy. Here are five of the biggest hurdles retailers run into when rolling out ESLs—and how the right workforce partner can help you clear them.
1. High Upfront Costs & Unclear ROI
There’s no way around it—ESLs require a serious investment. For retailers with hundreds or thousands of stores, costs add up fast with hardware, software, and labor.
The Fix:
Start small. Rolling out ESLs regionally helps test ROI before a full-scale launch. Partner with experienced installation teams to reduce mistakes, speed up timelines, and get the most out of your investment from day one.
2. Technical Issues and Ongoing Maintenance
Batteries die. Signals drop. Screens glitch. ESLs are tech—and tech needs upkeep. If these issues go unchecked, they can disrupt store operations and pricing accuracy.
The Fix:
Use trained teams who know what they’re doing. From accurate installs to post-launch testing and troubleshooting, they keep things running smoothly so you don’t have to worry about downtime.
3. Compatibility with Legacy Systems
Not every store runs on the latest software. Many retailers still rely on older POS and inventory systems, which can make ESL integration tricky.
The Fix:
Bring in people who’ve done it before. Skilled teams know how to bridge the gap between modern ESL tech and aging back-end systems, minimizing disruption and data errors.
4. Legal Risks and Security Gaps
With features like dynamic pricing, ESLs open the door to compliance issues—think pricing transparency laws or unintentional price discrimination.
The Fix:
Deploy teams trained in both tech and compliance. They’ll install and update ESLs the right way while helping you steer clear of legal headaches and protect your reputation.
5. Getting Staff and Shoppers on Board
New tech often creates friction. Employees may worry about job changes, and shoppers might be unsure about digital pricing or product info.
The Fix:
Make adoption easier with clear communication and hands-on training. Skilled crews not only install ESLs correctly—they help pave the way for smoother transitions and better in-store experiences.
Wrapping It Up
ESLs offer major benefits: flexible pricing, inventory accuracy, and greater efficiency. But to realize their full potential, you need more than great tech—you need a great team to bring it to life.
At SASR Workforce Solutions, our nationwide network of experienced W-2 merchandisers makes ESL rollouts smooth and scalable. With centralized operations and rapid deployment, we help you move faster and accurately.
Let’s bring your shelves into the future.
SASR Workforce Solutions is a Cary, NC, national staffing company, providing local retail, grocery, and merchandising temporary and continuous staffing to major national clients across the US. At SASR Workforce Solutions, our vision is to positively impact people’s lives through the power of work. We partner with the nation’s largest retailers, providing people and workforce solutions that help them complete their projects more efficiently. From store remodels to beverage and cooler resets and everything in between, we connect great people to great companies to deliver great work.
Retailers are always looking for ways to improve efficiency, accuracy, and the customer experience. One solution gaining momentum across the industry is This technology replaces traditional paper price tags with digital labels that can be updated in real time—saving time, reducing errors, and keeping shelves price-accurate at all times.
For retailers rolling out systems, execution is everything. The transition from paper to digital may sound simple, but it takes careful coordination, skilled labor, and a clear rollout strategy to make it successful across multiple locations. That’s where a flexible, experienced workforce partner comes in.
At SASR, we’ve supported clients through rollouts ranging from small pilots to full-store chainwide installations. Our teams understand the importance of precision placement, connectivity testing, and seamless integration with existing planograms. The goal isn’t just to install labels—it’s to ensure the entire pricing and promotional ecosystem functions smoothly from day one.
Beyond installation, technology offers major benefits for both store teams and customers. Store associates spend less time changing paper tags and more time focusing on customer service. Price updates can happen across hundreds of stores at once, ensuring promotional pricing is consistent and compliant. For customers, ESL displays often include features like product information, stock levels, and QR codes for mobile engagement—all of which enhance the in-store shopping experience.
Like any technology-driven change, ESL rollouts come with challenges: tight schedules, store traffic, and coordination with IT teams. That’s why having a trained, adaptable team on the ground makes all the difference. Our associates are used to working in live retail environments, adjusting to store conditions, and collaborating with in-store leadership to minimize disruption.
As more retailers explore digital shelf solutions, the demand for efficient, scalable execution partners continues to grow. Whether you’re planning a single-store pilot or a multi-state rollout, SASR has the workforce and experience to help bring your ESL project to life—on time and on budget.
Looking to learn more about how we can support your next store technology rollout?