CJ Lang & Son Ltd., the company behind SPAR Scotland, has been awarded the prestigious Technology Initiative of the Year at the Grocer Gold Awards. This honor was achieved through their innovative use of SOLUM's electronic shelf label (ESL) solution and advanced camera technology.
The Grocer Gold Awards is one of the most esteemed events in the retail industry, recognizing outstanding achievements and innovations. CJ Lang's win in the Technology Initiative of the Year category highlights their commitment to modernization and efficiency in retail operations.
The Winning Initiative: Transforming Retail with Technology
CJ Lang's award-winning initiative involved the installation of interactive digital screens linked to electronic shelf-edge labels and discreet camera technology to enhance range management and in-store availability. This initiative represents the largest technology investment in CJ Lang’s history, offering a threefold benefit: modernizing stores, improving the customer shopping experience, and boosting productivity.
The impact was immediate, with significant reductions in labor hours, which were then reinvested into sales-generating activities. This initiative also supported sustainability goals by eliminating paper use at points of sale, leading to double-digit growth in sales and footfall in affected stores.
SOLUM’s ESL: Revolutionizing Retail
SOLUM, the supplier of CJ Lang’s ESLs, played a crucial role in this success. SOLUM’s advanced ESL technology provided a modern touch to CJ Lang's stores, streamlining operations and enhancing customer interactions.
“I've managed the technology in CJ Lang for over 20 years. I think this is the single biggest ever technology investment the company has ever made. The return on investment will probably be greater than anything that we've ever done.” -Graham Murdoch, IT Director, CJ Lang & Son Limited
The solution included six different sizes of labels tailored for various store sections, enabling dynamic and efficient product information display. The integration of SOLUM’s cloud-based AIMS solution allowed for centralized management, ensuring consistent pricing and promotional changes across all stores.
By leveraging SOLUM’s ESL technology, CJ Lang & Son Ltd. has not only modernized its operations but also set a new benchmark for retail innovation, earning them well-deserved recognition at the Grocer Gold Awards.
About CJ Lang & Son Ltd.
CJ Lang & Son Ltd. is a family-owned business with over 100 years of history, distributing to all SPAR stores in Scotland. Their “Keep It Simple” SPAR programme focuses on reducing managerial tasks and enhancing customer service. This commitment to efficiency and customer experience has been a cornerstone of their operations.