Hyper-local strategy drives ESL adoption across Southeast Asian markets
As Asia-Pacific retailers accelerate digital transformation, IoT solutions provider ZKONG is securing major contracts through customized Electronic Shelf Label (ESL) deployments tailored to regional needs. This localized approach proves critical in Southeast Asia’s fragmented retail landscape, where ZKONG recently implemented its comprehensive ESL solutions for leading Malaysian supermarkets Village Grocer and Qra.
The APAC retail sector faces dual transformation drivers. In China, instant retail competition is erasing online-offline boundaries, demanding seamless omnichannel experiences. Meanwhile across Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand, brick-and-mortar retailers are prioritizing digital upgrades to unlock operational efficiencies.
Market data underscores the opportunity:
Asia’s retail market will reach ¥56.6 trillion (US$7.8T) by 2029 (4.2% CAGR, Frost & Sullivan)
Southeast Asia now leads Asian growth potential, surpassing Greater China
2025 weighted GDP growth projected at 4.5% (Boao Forum Asia)
"Retailers face pressure to modernize while preserving local relevance," notes ZKONG global marketing head Will Zhu. "Our solution bridges this gap through configurable hardware and regional support networks."
Electronic Shelf Labels – digital displays replacing paper price tags – serve as foundational retail technology. Global adoption is accelerating with Walmart planning 2,300+ US deployments by 2026, Kroger expanding pilots, and Whole Foods conducting tests.
The operational benefits are clear:
Price Updates: Manual 120,000-SKU refresh: ~2 days → with ESL solution: minutes (CBS)
Sustainability: 5-10 year battery life eliminates paper waste
Food Waste Reduction: Cloud-based SaaS solution saved Ahold Delhaize 250 tonnes/year
Consumer Experience: Real-time pricing, product details showcasing (nutrition/reviews), and live promotions
Markets and Markets projects the global ESL market will reach $4.18 billion by 2029 (12.3% CAGR).
ZKONG’s recent deployments demonstrate localization’s strategic value:
At Village Grocer – a 26-store premium Malaysian chain – over 8,000 ZKONG ESLs were installed across five locations. The frameless ESL aligned with the retailer’s upscale branding while enabling instant chain-wide price synchronization.
Meanwhile, community supermarket chain Qra deployed over 10,000 ZKONG tags per store, including freezer-grade ESL series units operating reliably. The implementation covered ambient, fresh and frozen sections – a technical feat few competitors can deliver in tropical climates.
Southeast Asia’s retail evolution resembles a pomegranate – seemingly unified but containing distinct markets beneath the surface. Boston Consulting Group’s 2025 retail report confirms the region demands "seamless omnichannel experiences" tailored to local preferences.
ZKONG addresses this through:
Regional Manufacturing: 40,000㎡ facility enables 2-4 week deployments with custom bezel options
Language Localization: Provide localized software and hardware support based on market and business needs.
On-Ground Partnerships: Collaboration with local channel operators
R&D Investment: 220+ patents with >70% technical staff
"Global solutions often stumble on regional specifics," explains Will Zhu. "In Vietnam, for example, we collaborate deeply with local channel partners, and have fully localized the system interface into Vietnamese, eliminating language barriers during user operations."
With APAC’s retail digitization wave accelerating, ZKONG’s embedded local capabilities position it as a key enabler. The company continues expanding its regional footprint, with new offices planned across APAC markets through 2026.
Founded in 2006 and headquartered in Hangzhou, China, ZKONG specializes in Smart display solutions for retail digitalization. With 19+ years’ experience and global operations, the company has cooperated with over 3000 brands worldwide supporting its ESL technology portfolio and reputation.
View the original release：https://insideretail.asia/2025/07/29/zkong-captures-asia-pacific-retail-growth-with-localised-digital-shelf-solutions/
Electronic Shelf Labels 
Digital Signage 
Cloud Platform 
ESL Accessory 
中文
English
日本語
français
Deutsch
