The Benefits of ESLs for Franchise Retail Networks?
The franchise model, where a network of independent stores shares buying capacity, branding, and product pricing, is a common and effective structure in retail. It’s great for scaling, negotiating supplier pricing, and strengthening brand presence.
However, one of the main challenges franchise networks face is maintaining brand and operational consistency across multiple independently run stores. Common difficulties include:
Consistency of promotions - In most franchise models, head office sets the promotional calendar, often supplemented by regional offers. However, it can be difficult to ensure every store has implemented those promotions correctly and on time.
Shelf price accuracy - If promotions aren’t deployed or removed at the correct time, shelf prices become incorrect and therefore different to the price at checkout.
Customer trust - These pricing inconsistencies quickly erode trust. When a promotion is displayed on the shelf but not honoured at checkout, customers lose confidence in the brand.
Consistency of brand presentation - Franchise networks rely on a shared brand identity, from store fit-out to marketing and promotional materials. Ensuring brand consistency across all stores, particularly at the shelf level, can be a challenge.
How can ESLs help franchise networks improve consistency?
Electronic Shelf Labels (ESLs) operate through a cloud-based platform, allowing updates to be configured and deployed remotely. For franchise networks, this is a game changer.
Multi-store configuration
Our ESL platform supports multi-store configuration, allowing head office to manage and oversee operational tasks across the network, just like a centralised POS system.
Here’s how it helps:
The promotional calendar can be configured to launch and end offers at precise dates and times.
Products can be added or removed to reflect supplier changes or seasonality.
Branding consistency is maintained with head office–approved ESL templates for discounts, multi-buy offers, and markdowns.
New templates can be deployed for seasonal events such as Easter, Halloween, or Christmas, creating fresh, engaging shelf displays that align with brand campaigns.
Christmas Electronic Shelf Label template design.
Easter Electronic Shelf Label template design.
Halloween Electronic Shelf Label template design.
Mother’s Day Electronic Shelf Label template design.
Local store flexibility
Individual stores can also make their own product and price updates when needed, maintaining autonomy while keeping brand alignment intact.
What’s the end result?
We’ve found that both head office teams and store owners are elated with this types of technology solution. Some of the key outcomes include:
Reduced pressure on store staff, as time-consuming manual ticket changes are eliminated.
Improved customer experience, with staff freed up to focus on service rather than admin tasks.
Increased customer trust, thanks to consistent, accurate shelf pricing. Even one mismatch can significantly damage confidence.
Greater brand and pricing consistency, with head office able to oversee promotions and brand presentation across the entire network.
Increased pricing flexibility, because price changes are deployed remotely, franchise networks can run more frequent or targeted promotions, driving sales without adding pressure to individual store operations.
"The team LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the ESLs! It’s taken a huge weight off their shoulders—no more stress over pricing errors or awkward conversations with customers about mismatched prices. Everything is always accurate and up to date. Our stock control team is just as thrilled. The labels make their jobs much easier, cutting down on frustration and saving them time in their day-to-day tasks". Maria Keskeridis, Pharmacy Owner, TerryWhite Chemmart.
As Australia’s ESL experts, we help franchise networks streamline operations, improve brand consistency, and deliver a better in-store experience for customers and staff alike. Enquire now to find out more or download our brochure.
