Electronic Shelf Labels (ESLs) have become a game-changer for retailers aiming to streamline operations and maintain accurate pricing in their stores. While they offer long-term savings and operational efficiency, the initial investment can be significant. To safeguard this investment, retailers must consider durable and secure holders for ESLs to ensure their protection and performance.
The Importance of Sturdy ESL Holders
Unlike traditional paper or plastic labels, ESLs are heavier and more robust, requiring a stronger infrastructure for support. These digital price tags are designed to provide clearer and more dynamic price displays, but they come with their own set of mechanical and financial requirements.

Why do ESL holders need to be more robust?
Here are two major factors to consider when selecting ESL holders:
Weight: ESLs are significantly thicker and heavier than traditional paper labels. This added weight makes them more susceptible to damage if not secured properly. Therefore, holders must be designed to withstand the extra weight while ensuring the tags remain intact and functional.
Cost: ESLs are more expensive than paper labels. If an ESL gets damaged, the costs of replacement and downtime can quickly add up. Therefore, investing in sturdy holders will help ensure that your ESLs remain intact, providing long-term value and minimizing potential hidden costs.
Choosing the right holders that accommodate the weight and expense of ESLs is critical to preventing damage and reducing the risk of reinstallation or replacement.
Common Vulnerable Zones for ESLs and How to Protect Them
Certain areas of a store are more prone to risks that could lead to ESL damage. Identifying these vulnerable zones and installing the right protective solutions is key to maintaining the integrity of your ESLs.
Beverage Cooler Shelves
Items like milk cartons, beer packs, and juice bottles are often stored on cooler shelves. Due to the high volume of handling in these areas, ESLs can be knocked loose or damaged.
Recommended Solution:
Opt for rails with locking or hinge mechanisms that firmly secure ESLs in place. This will prevent the tags from moving during restocking or when items are removed from shelves, ensuring they stay secure and readable.
End Cap Displays
End caps, positioned at the end of aisles, are often subject to foot traffic, cart collisions, and product restocking, making them prime candidates for ESL damage. These displays typically experience more handling than shelves in other parts of the store.
Recommended Solution:
Use stronger frame designs or protective covers to shield ESLs from the physical impacts associated with constant movement in these high-traffic areas.
Base Decks in High-Demand Areas
Quick-shop shelves, especially in lower-traffic areas like base decks, can face frequent contact with shopping carts and baskets. Although ESLs in these locations are more vulnerable to damage, they also offer a significant advantage due to frequent price changes and high-demand promotions.
Recommended Solution:
Install ESL rails with protective covers to absorb impacts and reduce the risk of damage. These covers will also help keep the tags intact during high-frequency shopping times.
Ensuring Compatibility with Existing Hardware
One challenge with ESLs is that traditional shelf-mounted sign holders, which are often designed for paper labels, may not be compatible with digital price tags. ESLs are thicker and bulkier, which means standard holders might not provide a secure fit, resulting in potential damage.
Recommended Solution:
Invest in adjustable shelf accessories that can accommodate the thicker profiles of ESLs. These adjustable options are designed to provide a secure fit across various ESL brands and product lines, preventing ESLs from slipping or becoming dislodged.
Custom Solutions for ESL Attachments
There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to ESL holders. The dimensions and weight of ESLs can vary greatly between different brands and models. Retailers should focus on finding flexible and customizable ESL attachment solutions that are tailored to their specific store layouts and fixture needs.
Why Customization Matters:
With different ESL configurations, it’s essential to partner with a supplier that can offer a wide range of customizable solutions. This ensures that ESLs will integrate seamlessly into any retail environment while ensuring durability and functionality.
Partnering with an Experienced ESL Accessory Supplier
To fully capitalize on your ESL investment, working with a versatile supplier is crucial. A supplier with a comprehensive range of ESL holders and accessories will ensure that your digital price tags are securely mounted while providing the flexibility to accommodate different ESL brands and product lines.
Novaday Advantage:
Novaday offers a full range of ESL holders, designed to protect your investment and improve the accuracy of your in-store pricing. From rail covers for base decks to adjustable clips for wire shelves, Novaday’s solutions are engineered for durability and ease of installation. With their wide selection of options, retailers can customize their ESL setup without worrying about compatibility issues.
Why Choose Novaday:
Durability: Novaday’s ESL holders are designed to last, providing lasting protection for your digital price tags.
Flexibility: Novaday offers adjustable solutions that can be tailored to your specific needs.
Efficiency: Easy-to-install solutions ensure minimal downtime and disruption to store operations.
Ready to secure your ESL investment and improve your store’s pricing accuracy?
Contact Novaday today to learn more about their range of ESL holders and how they can help optimize your store’s ESL deployment. Let us help you future-proof your pricing strategy with durable, flexible, and efficient hardware solutions.