As Asia-Pacific retailers accelerate digital transformation, IoT solutions provider Zkong is securing major contracts through customised Electronic Shelf Label (ESL) deployments tailored to regional needs.
This localised 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.
Regional retail transformation accelerates
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 prioritising digital upgrades to unlock operational efficiencies.
Market data underscores the opportunity:
- Asia’s retail market will reach ¥56.6 trillion (US$7.8tr) by 2029 (4.2 per cent CAGR, Frost & Sullivan).
- Southeast Asia now leads Asian growth potential, surpassing Greater China.
- 2025 weighted GDP growth projected at 4.5 per cent (Boao Forum Asia).
“Retailers face pressure to modernise while preserving local relevance,” notes Zkong global marketing head Will Zhu. “Our solution bridges this gap through configurable hardware and regional support networks.”
ESL: The digital transformation catalyst
Electronic Shelf Labels – digital displays replacing paper price tags – serve as foundational retail technology. Global adoption is accelerating with Walmart planning 2300+ US deployments by next year, Kroger expanding pilots, and Whole Foods conducting tests.
The operational benefits are clear:
- Price updates: Manual 120,000-SKU refresh: ~two days, or with ESL solution in minutes (CBS).
- Sustainability: Five to 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 per cent CAGR).
Malaysian success stories
ZKong’s recent deployments demonstrate localisation’s strategic value:
At Village Grocer – a 26-store premium Malaysian chain – over 8000 Zkong ESLs were installed across five locations. The frameless ESL aligned with the retailer’s upscale branding while enabling instant chain-wide price synchronisation.
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.
The localisation imperative
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: 40,000sqm facility enables two to four week deployments with custom bezel options.
- Language localisation: Provide localised software and hardware support based on market and business needs.
- On-ground partnerships: Collaboration with local channel operators.
- R&D investment: More than 220 patents with over 70 per cent 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 localised the system interface into Vietnamese, eliminating language barriers during user operations.”
Positioned for growth
With Apac’s retail digitisation 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 specialises in Smart display solutions for retail digitalisation. With more than 19 years’ experience and global operations, the company has cooperated with over 3000 brands worldwide, supporting its ESL technology portfolio and reputation.
