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 most frequented areas, less visited aisles, and major points of interest.
Unlike traditional analyses based on sales or till receipts, heatmaps capture actual in-store activity: they help understand traffic flow, identify bottlenecks, and pinpoint "cold" areas with low engagement.
By integrating this technology, businesses gain a valuable tool to adjust layouts, test new product placements, or optimise hot spots in the store to maximise their commercial impact.
🛠️ Practical Applications for Food Stores, Pharmacies, and DIY Retailers
In supermarkets, for example, heatmaps can assess the relevance of end-cap displays or verify if promotional products genuinely attract customer attention.
For pharmacies, where customer journeys might be more geared towards specific needs, the analysis helps organise shelves intuitively, bringing frequently sought products closer together and reducing time spent searching for an item.
As for DIY retailers, these maps reveal hesitation zones and help position information stands or assistants to streamline the customer journey and purchasing process.
📉 Loss Reduction and Better Resource Management
Heatmaps aren't just for improving customer experience: they're also a tool for loss prevention. By identifying frequently visited but poorly 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 through gesture analysis, all while respecting customer privacy. Businesses gain a comprehensive view to anticipate incidents.
The result: reduced losses, better allocation of human resources, and increased peace of mind for on-site teams.
🌐 A Technology Adopted by Thousands of Users Thanks to Oxania
Oxania, a specialist in detecting suspicious gestures in stores, 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 business concerned with its operational efficiency.
