Data strips, also known as shelf strips or shelf edge labels (SELs), are a familiar product to any shopfitter. In this article we’ll provide an overview of what role they play in-store, what types are available and how to identify the right data strips for your client’s needs.
What are data strips?
Data strips are POS holders that typically attach to the edge of retail shelving units. Usually made from plastic, these strips are designed to display price labels, product barcodes, promotional artwork and more. They provide customers with key information about the products on the shelves, while helping employees to identify items and keep stock organised effectively. They also give retailers an easy way to attach a variety of other POS and display components to the shelves (see our section on data strip accessories for more details).
As well as the version that attaches to shelf edges, there are also data strips that are designed to be used with a particular type of display component. Swing ticket data strips, for example, allow retailers to display ticket information on the end of a display hook or on a wire basket display unit.
What material are data strips made from?
The majority of data strips are made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which is a particularly versatile form of plastic. It’s flexible, strong and easier to extrude than comparable materials, which makes it an ideal choice for products like data strips.
Here at Harrison Products, we’re pleased to offer recyclable alternatives that are made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic. The benefits of PET are that it’s strong, lightweight, durable and products made from PET can be recycled multiple times via standard recycling streams.
Discover our recyclable data strips
What are the different types of data strip?
We sell a range of data strip types to suit a range of needs:
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Self-adhesive These data strips are a popular choice among retailers and come with a self-adhesive backing, which means they can be quickly attached to cardboard or metal shelving. We offer a wide variety of lengths and heights, and many can also be cut to size. |
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Clip-on As the name suggests, clip-on data strips can either be clipped on to shelving or attached to an existing data strip depending on their design. They’re a great option if your retail client wants to avoid using adhesive on their shelves, and we have a variety of sizes and designs available. |
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Angled Our angled data strips are ideal for products on lower shelves, where customers would otherwise have to crouch in order to see the price information. There are several angles to choose from depending on your client’s requirements. |
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Wire, glass and wood For any shelves that aren’t metal, you can choose from a variety of data strips that have been developed to attach to wire, glass and wood surfaces. |
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ESL Electronic shelf label (ESL) data strips are specifically designed to support ESL units, which display prices and other product information digitally. As with standard data strips, there are a variety of different styles to choose from. |
Explore our full range of data strips
How do you find the right data strip?
Here are some key factors to bear in mind when choosing a data strip.
Shelving type
Different data strips are compatible with different shelf types, so it’s important to check which ones will work with your client’s shelves before making a purchase – both in terms of shelf brand and shelf material. Our range includes options that are compatible with leading metal shelving brands such as Tego and Caem, options that are suitable for the cardboard shelves of free-standing display units (FSDUs), as well as a selection of options for wooden, wire and glass shelves.
Adhesive or clip-on
Adhesive data strips are cost-effective and provide a firm grip as they’re applied directly to the shelf edge, but can be harder to remove and may leave a sticky residue behind. Clip-on strips hook over the top and bottom of the shelf, and often provide additional functionality and flexibility, but can also require a greater upfront investment. Both offer benefits and drawbacks, so which one is right for your client will largely come down to personal preference.
Colour, size and dimensions
The colour and dimensions of some data strips are highly customisable, while others may be more restrictive. Buying in bulk could also be a more cost-effective scenario and further customisation may also be available on larger orders.
Additional features
Data strips will often come with additional features that are designed for specific environments or scenarios, including:
- integrated hinges
- dustcap tops
- dual angle positioning
- curved profiles
- front POS inserts
- rear POS inserts
If these kinds of features have been requested by your client or could be of benefit to them, then it’s definitely worth considering investing in them upfront.
What products can you combine with data strips?
There are a number of products and components that can be used in conjunction with data strips to create eye-catching POS displays.
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Shelf barkers Perfect for temporary product promotions, shelf barkers can be clipped onto a data strip to create a stand-out price point on the edge of shelves. |
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Sign holders From click sign holders to sign grippers, our sign holders provide a convenient and discreet way to present special promotions and key messages. |
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Shelf wobblers Shelf wobblers provide a flexible and attention-grabbing way to display graphics at the edge of shelves. |
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Clip strips and clip locks These products allow retailers to display multiple small items without compromising shelf space and encourage impulse buys. |
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Why buy data strips from Harrison Products?
Here are just some of the benefits you’ll enjoy when ordering from us:
- Experience: With over 20 years in the industry, we’re the trusted supplier for thousands of companies worldwide.
- Product range: Our vast product catalogue contains over 20 million products, so you’re sure to find the one you want.
- Samples: We provide a free sample system – simply request a sample via our product pages.
- Customisable: Many of our data strips can be cut to size and are available in multiple colours, while further customisation may also be available on larger orders.
- Quality: We have robust quality control measures in place to ensure that all of the products we sell are produced to the highest quality.
- Fast UK shipping: Order before 4pm Mon-Fri for same day dispatch and free next-day delivery on orders over £150.
Check out our recent article on Harrison Products for a great overview of our products and services or find the perfect data strip for your next project with our Shelf-Edge Data Strip Buying Guide.