In the ever-evolving world of grocery retail, staying ahead means embracing innovation that not only enhances operations but also elevates customer experience. For Adams Fairacre Farms, a beloved independent grocery chain known for its commitment to quality, community, and service, this philosophy is more than a strategy. It’s a way of life.
With decades of experience serving customers across New York’s Hudson Valley, Adams Fairacre Farms has built a reputation for blending tradition with forward-thinking solutions. From fresh produce and gourmet goods to garden centers and specialty departments, each store reflects a deep-rooted dedication to excellence. But behind the scenes, the team is equally committed to operational efficiency and technological advancement.
That’s why, when the opportunity arose to modernize their pricing and signage systems, Adams Fairacre Farms didn’t hesitate. They turned to ESLs, a smart, scalable solution that integrates seamlessly with ECRS CATAPULT® Point-of-Sale (POS) systems. The goal? To streamline workflows, reduce manual labor, and ensure pricing accuracy across every aisle.
“We’re always looking for ways to improve,” said Dave Orce, Director of IT. “When we opened a new location, it felt like the perfect opportunity to implement ESLs from the ground up. It was about ease of use, efficiency, and setting a strong foundation for future growth.”
What followed was a transformative journey, one that showcased the power of collaboration, data integrity, and a shared vision for retail excellence.
A New Store, A New Opportunity
The decision to integrate ESLs wasn’t just about keeping up with trends; it was about future-proofing operations. “We wanted to eliminate the manual steps of printing and hanging tags,” Orce explained. “Now, prices update automatically, and our staff can focus on customer service and inventory management.”
Seamless Onboarding and Team Collaboration
One of the most impressive aspects of Adams Fairacre Farms’ ESL rollout was the smooth onboarding process. Thanks to the collaboration between ECRS and Aperion, the technical setup was nearly effortless.
“The backend setup was a non-issue,” Orce explained. “Amber’s team and Aperion handled the data integration flawlessly. It allowed us to focus on the physical install rather than worry about system compatibility.”
Amber Davies, Database Manager, emphasized the importance of data preparation. “We’ve been cleaning our data since onboarding with ECRS, so formatting tags was easier. We worked closely with Aperion to refine our tag designs and make them more readable.”
To execute the install efficiently, Adams assembled a cross-functional team of scanning coordinators and database experts. “We used the people who already knew CATAPULT and tagging,” Davies said. “It just made sense. We were able to get through each store in about four days.”
Non-Disruptive Installation and Store Walks
Installing ESLs while stores remained open was a priority. “We generally start around 8 a.m. and go until 5 p.m., taking breaks during peak hours like lunch,” Davies explained. “It’s non-disruptive and efficient.”
A critical part of the process was the store walk. “You know your store best,” Orce emphasized. “It’s important to think through every area, all end caps, sale zones, and unique fixtures. Aperion helped us brainstorm solutions for tricky spots.”
Flexibility and Scalability
ESLs offer flexibility for retailers at any stage. “You can start with one department and grow,” said Orce. “It’s scalable and lets you address pain points like signage or pricing inconsistencies.”
Davies added, “We started with our biggest sellers and built from there. It’s an ongoing project—we’re always improving our data and expanding ESL coverage.”
The ability to tailor ESL deployment to each store’s layout and operational needs was key. “Our first store was built from the ground up, so we tackled the entire grocery area,” Orce explained. “In other locations, we’ve taken a phased approach, starting with departments that needed the most help.”
Accuracy, Compliance, and Peace of Mind
Steadfast accuracy is especially important in areas governed by “super refund laws,” where a pricing mismatch can result in a refund up to ten times the difference. “We’re installing ESLs in one of these counties next,” Orce shared. “It’s a safeguard that ensures compliance and protects the business.”
Technical concerns? Virtually nonexistent. “I can count on one hand how many help desk calls we’ve had about ESLs,” Orce said. “They’re truly set-it-and-forget-it.”
Smart Features That Make a Difference
ESLs offer smart functionality, making it easy to switch pages manually, in groups, or on a timed schedule, making operations smoother. Tags also support multiple templates and colors. “We’re exploring shelf talkers and eye-catching designs,” said Orce. “The flexibility is incredible.”
Newer tags support up to seven colors, including black, white, red, yellow, orange, and two shades of gray, to easily enable countless marketing and visual merchandising possibilities instantly.
Sustainability and Signage Innovation
The move to digital signage supports sustainability. “We’re reducing paper waste and streamlining processes,” Orce noted. “It’s an unsung benefit we’re excited about.”
Adams Fairacre Farms is also exploring larger tag formats to replace traditional signage. “Why print signs when the tag can display the same info?” Orce asked. “It’s efficient and environmentally friendly.”
This shift is also helping the marketing team rethink how signage is used. “We’re asking ourselves why we’re still printing signs when ESLs can do the job better,” Orce said. “It’s about eliminating redundancies and focusing on what matters.”
A Commitment to Retailers
ECRS is dedicated to helping independent retailers of all sizes compete and thrive in today’s rapidly evolving retail technology landscape. CATAPULT Passport API™ empowers retailers with bidirectional data integrations, connecting seamlessly with third-party technologies to enhance operations. Featuring modern web services alongside traditional staging table exchange functions, Passport API creates unified connections to external solutions such as ESLs.