Tesco has installed electronic shelf-edge labelling throughout its latest concept store which opened on Monday.

The £20m store, at Hove, East Sussex, showcases Tesco’s latest thinking on customer service, range and store security.

The introduction of ESL follows trials in the biscuit aisle of its Irlam store in Manchester and on a deli counter at a second store. ESL allows automated price changes from a central terminal.

The new store also includes the largest installation of self-service checkouts in the UK.

There are 10 self-scanning tills - six large and four express checkouts.

The store also features a ‘grab and go’ deli counter, where customers can pick up prepacked deli products.

Organics and Tesco Finest have been “pushed out” around
the store said a spokesman. Finest is available on loose bake-off products for the first time.

A new Tesco Coffee Shop is also on trial on a mezzanine floor. It sells upmarket coffee and sandwiches, similar to those available in chains such as Starbucks. It is “like the competition but cheaper”, said a spokesman.

New merchandising material has been installed in the fruit and vegetable section to emphasise the “fresh” message.

Tesco is also trialling a new management structure at the store “to get as many people on the shop floor as possible” said a spokesman. Under the old system five senior managers reported to the store manager, and 14 section heads reported to them. At Hove, there is a store manager, a deputy, and 12 line managers of specialist areas.
Anne Bruce

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