Heatmaps, or heat maps, are visual representations of spatial data that show where customers spend the most time in a store. Thanks to artificial intelligence and the surveillance cameras already present in many retail outlets, these maps accurately reveal the busiest areas, less visited aisles, and major areas of interest.
Unlike traditional analyses based on sales or receipts, heatmaps capture actual in-store activity: they help to understand traffic flow, identify bottlenecks, and pinpoint "cold" areas with low engagement.
By integrating this technology, retailers have a valuable tool to adjust layouts, test new product placements, or optimise the store's hotspots to maximise their commercial impact.
🛠️ Practical Applications for Grocery Stores, Pharmacies, and DIY Retailers
In supermarkets, heatmaps can be used, for example, to evaluate the relevance of end-of-aisle displays or to check if promotional products genuinely attract customer attention.
For pharmacies, where customer journeys may be more oriented towards specific needs, the analysis helps to organise aisles intuitively, placing the most sought-after products closer together and reducing the time spent searching for an item.
As for DIY retailers, these maps reveal areas of hesitation and help to position information displays or assistants to smooth the customer journey and purchase.
📉 Reduced Losses and Improved Resource Management
Heatmaps are not just for improving the customer experience: they are also a tool for preventing losses. By identifying frequently visited but less monitored areas, security managers can optimise the positioning of staff or smart sensors.
The AI developed by innovative companies like Oxania can even identify suspicious behaviours by analysing gestures, while respecting customer privacy. Retailers gain a complete overview to anticipate incidents.
The result: reduced losses, better allocation of human resources, and increased peace of mind for field teams.
🌐 A Technology Adopted by Thousands of Users Thanks to Oxania
Oxania, a specialist in detecting suspicious gestures in-store, already provides these tools to thousands of professional users in the retail sector. Its system relies on a combination of computer vision, advanced analytics, and a clear, intuitive interface so that every store manager can make informed decisions.
Oxania transforms traditional surveillance into a true strategic optimisation tool.
In an era where every square metre counts, adopting a heatmap analysis solution becomes a decisive competitive advantage for any retailer focused on operational efficiency.
