Retail is no longer defined by efficiency alone. Across Asia-Pacific, the next phase of transformation is being shaped by a more complex question: How to scale operations while reducing resource consumption.
As retail across Asia-Pacific accelerates toward more digital and refined operations, the industry focus is shifting beyond efficiency alone toward a balance of performance, experience, and sustainability. In this context, how to achieve smarter and greener operations in the ‘now’ has become a defining challenge for retailers.
This shift is reflected in the theme of NRF Retail’s Big Show Apac 2026 – ‘The Next Now’, which highlights not just future possibilities, but the urgency of transformation already underway. Retailers are no longer planning for what’s next – they are responding to what’s happening now.
Against this backdrop, Zkong will present its vision under the theme ‘One Step Smarter, One Step Greener’, demonstrating how intelligent systems can drive both operational efficiency and more sustainable retail practices.
Redefining shelf communication at scale
At booth 715, Zkong will showcase an integrated portfolio of Electronic Shelf Labels (ESL), LCD digital displays, and cloud-based management solutions, designed to support modern retail environments at scale. Together, these technologies enable a more connected and efficient approach to pricing, content management, and in-store communication.
At the core is Zkong’s full-range ESL portfolio, covering multiple sizes and formats to accommodate different shelf structures and merchandising scenarios. By digitising pricing and product information across the store, ESL enables real-time updates, reduces manual workload, and improves execution consistency.
Building on this foundation, the Quantum Series ESL introduces an ultra-narrow bezel design that significantly increases the screen-to-body ratio. This allows more information to be displayed within the same physical footprint, improving shelf communication while reducing the need for additional printed materials and minimising visual clutter. This enables retailers to communicate more information without expanding hardware footprint – improving both space efficiency and resource utilisation.
Alongside Quantum, the Arrow Series bar-shaped ESL rethinks how information is structured on the shelf. Its elongated format transforms individual labels into a continuous information layer, particularly suited to high-density, multi-SKU environments, helping reduce visual clutter and minimise the need for supplementary printed signage.
All display solutions are supported by Zkong’s cloud platform, which connects pricing, product data, and content management into a unified workflow, enabling centralised control and real-time updates across stores.
Enabling scalable retail through technology and local expertise
For Zkong, participation in NRF Apac is not only about showcasing product innovation, but also about demonstrating how integrated technology and localised expertise come together to support modern retail operations.
Beyond its hardware and software portfolio, Zkong continues to strengthen its presence across the Asia-Pacific region through close collaboration with established local partners. By combining standardised solutions with localised deployment, system integration, and after-sales support, ZKong ensures that its technologies can be effectively adapted to diverse retail environments while maintaining long-term operational reliability.
This approach has already been proven across a range of sectors, including supermarkets, consumer electronics, and home retail, where Zkong supports retailers in improving operational efficiency while reducing material usage and advancing more sustainable store practices.
As retail continues to evolve toward more data-driven and sustainable models, the role of in-store infrastructure is being redefined. Solutions that can deliver more with fewer resources will not only improve efficiency – they will shape the next generation of retail.
In this context, “One step smarter” reflects continuous innovation in retail technology, while “One step greener” signals a future where efficiency and sustainability go hand in hand.
