The way in which the display integrates into the store's shelf design and the store's design overall is dictated by its physical design. Circular LCD displays are unique in design, modern, and space-efficient. Their shape is beneficial in scenarios in which a typical rectangular label would be oversized and clash. They can be tactically positioned to mark where products are categorically arranged, where premium products are positioned, or where digital call-outs are desired and leave some white space above the shelf. Conversely, partially white bar LCD displays were designed for horizontal information display and are perfect for filling in or replacing shelf-edge channel strips.
Their length allows them to display more text, advertise scrolling promotions, and show multiple data points in a continuous sequence. They can even display information on promotions, unit prices, total prices, and prices in general. The choice is therefore a focal point marker (circular) , an information dense ribbon (bar) or the preferred combination.
Information that can be communicated and its hierarchy are determined by the shape of the display. A circular LCD display is great for drawing the eye and focusing on one important data point (most of the time the current price). This format works well for large, bold numbers, but is not as good for longer text. It conveys simplicity and primary importance. On the other hand, a stretched bar LCD is better for communicating lots of information. Its wider display can fit multi-line product displays including the title, current price, comparison price, unit price, promotional price, and supporting text. This is better for grocery and DIY sectors where compliance and information regulation of products is needed (e.g., price per kg/liter). Are we aiming to display the price with immediate recognition or to present a comprehensive data set? Your decision.
Regarding the power consumption of each type and their operational longevity, it is also important to note that although both types of LCD screens have a higher power consumption than the bistable E Ink displays, and their form factor will affect overall energy control at the network level of the store, a circular LCD may exhibit a marginally lower power consumption than a bigger stretched bar display, although both will be active, because a circular display will have a smaller screen area and therefore, at least marginally, draw a lower power consumption. That said, the biggest consideration is the direction of this technology and the fact that it requires a constant power drain to keep an image, as opposed to a reflecting custom e ink display and other similar bistable technologies that only require power when the screen changes.
For retailers who aim at ultra-low energy consumption and longevity of battery lifetimes ranging in years, in this regard, both types of LCD displays will be at a disadvantage when compared to E Ink. Therefore, in terms of LCD screens, the conversation leans more towards the efficiency of the wireless power grid of the store and the practicality of the user having to do frequent battery swaps, and in this specific technical regard, there is also no clear advantage of the circular one over the bar shaped one.
Shelf display hardware in retail types of environments undergo a high level of abuse due to the lack of operator care and retail cleaning practices of impact and interaction from physical touch as well as exposure to environmental spills and cleaning chemicals. On occasion a circular LCD display, due to the potential for a more compact and uniformly housed design, may offer more impact structural integrity from hits coming from multiple angles.
Its constructed shape distributes force in a more impact-resistant design as opposed to a long thin bar display which, due to poor construction, may suffer flexing and cracking along its length from poor installation impact. However, the construction impact designed casing of a stretched bar LCD display will not be designed to lose impact resistance. In TCO analysis, the intended purpose communication model value of each of the unique LCD form factor design versus impact construction, lifespan and failure rate versus battery replacement complexity, IP rating, and cover impact resistant glass must be factored.
There is no single best option when comparing circular vs stretched bar LCDs. Each case and product type has its own most powerful option. Circular LCD displays are best to use for branding, brand-focused digital experiences, and visual merchandising in stores that sell apparel, cosmetics, and in specialty stores. In these situations, they act as unobtrusive digital badges that complement but do not overwhelm product displays. Their rounded variety also serves as secondary labels for promotional banners (e.g. “Sale”, “New”) that are paired with primary price tags.
The stretched bar LCDs are best for high quantity, data dense shelving units in supermarkets, pharmacies, and hardware stores. Their data displaying capabilities are crucial when it comes to not only compliance but also educating the customer. For maximum versatility, a combination of the two would allow for enhanced info layering, where the circular is used for primary price emphasis and bar is used for secondary info, in conjunction with a custom e-ink display for base pricing, a powerful visual secondary communications tier would be formed.
The discussion of circular vs bar LCD display types reflects a foundational principle of retail technology - the right tool must be selected for the job. There is no better option, only a better fit. The circular LCD display is a champion of visual and communicative focus, suited for enhanced brand positioning and psychological price point anchoring within a curated setting. The stretched bar LCD display is a champion of efficiency and clarity in the communication of complex and regulated information in a retail space.
An advanced shelf strategy might include both. For B2B buyers, the assessment will need to include more than just a simplistic unit cost and factor in message hierarchy, category requirements, shelf density, and desired customer flow within the store. By choosing and using these form factors, retail buyers are able to fine-tune their shelf technology and increase their ability to articulate and market a product.
