Epson has developed a flexible, off-the-shelf solution for smaller, independent retailers so they can produce shelf-edge, barcode and price labels, without the additional expense of buying a dedicated label printer.

Combining Epson's high-performance TM-L90 thermal printer, with easy-to-use label printing software and a supply of label stock, the package offers a reliable, dual-purpose solution. This is because in addition to using the TM-L90 as a dedicated label printer, retailers also have the option of maximising their hardware resources by producing eye-catching point of sale receipts, coupons and tickets during trading hours; before switching to label mode after the store has closed.

The Windows-based driver software enables retailers to create a range of professional business labels, including company and brand logos, high resolution graphics, 2-colour images and barcodes. Ideal for a range of in-store applications, such as service counters, product, shelf-edge and price mark-down labels, the software can also be used to produce address labels with 2-dimensional barcodes so deliveries can be easily tracked from the storeroom to their eventual destination.

At the heart of the solution is the compact and flexible TM-L90. Offering print speeds of up to 150mm/sec, the printer eliminates the need to batch print rolls in the back office. Able to accept larger diameter paper rolls (up to 86mm in diameter), the TM-L90 also has a range of easy-to-use features such as drop-in paper load, auto-cutter and jam-proof paper feeding. Retailers can opt for one of three paper width options, while decreased print margins help to minimise wastage.

"This is the first time our customers have been able to buy everything they need to produce labels in asingle package," said Epson Product Manager, David Ormerod. "Significantly more cost-effective for smaller-scale label printing operations than a fully integrated solution, retailers can benefit straight away from the speed and flexibility of the solution, ensuring the fastest possible return on their investment."