South Korean electronic shelf labelling company Solum is planning to expand in North America to fill a gap caused by restrictions on Chinese imports.

The company says it is solidifying its position as a dominant player in the US smart retail sector with its integrated suite of AI-enabled electronic shelf labels (ESLs) and IoT devices. In addition to retail, Solum is also expanding into other verticals such as healthcare, aerospace, manufacturing and transportation.

In a statement, the company said: “Solum stands out among its competitors as the only major ESL manufacturer without ties to Chinese entities, positioning itself as a trusted partner for businesses navigating a dynamic geopolitical environment. Solum’s IoT infrastructure is both safe and secure, insulating it as global concerns over IoT vulnerabilities grow.”

The statement pointed out how the USA in particular was taking steps to mitigate risks associated with Chinese-made technologies, including imposing sanctions and export restrictions on Chinese tech giants such as Huawei.

Solum has transferred part of its manufacturing operations to Mexico to position itself for long-term stability.

“Solum’s emphasis on transparency, data integrity and forward-thinking approach to global trade, aligns with both US priorities and supports companies as they future-proof their end-to-end operations,” said the statement.

Solum supplies ESL technology to some of the largest retailers in the USA and globally to streamline operations, promote efficiencies and lower costs. Canadian grocery store chain Loblaws (www.loblaws.ca) is one of Solum’s latest customers, which it sees as a prime example of the scale and momentum around its expanding North American presence. It also recently secured a project with one of the largest retailers in the USA and is anticipating significant revenue growth over the next year.

Solum says its technologies can reduce operational costs for businesses and drive down prices for consumers. ESL technologies also modernise the shopping experience, allowing retailers to monitor their store operations, stocks and customer demand while streamlining the experience for customers.

Solum (www.solum-group.com) is a provider of ESLs to improve retail operations. Its products are designed to enhance store management, customer engagement and overall productivity.