Heatmaps are visual representations of spatial data that show where customers spend the most time in a store. Using 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 analytics based on sales data or receipts, heatmaps capture actual in-store activity: they help to understand customer flow, identify bottlenecks, and pinpoint 'cold' zones with low engagement.
By integrating this technology, retailers gain a valuable tool to adjust layouts, test new product placements, and optimise store hotspots to maximise their commercial impact.
🛠️ Practical applications for grocery stores, pharmacies, and hardware stores
In supermarkets, for example, heatmaps can be used to assess the effectiveness of end cap layouts or to check if products on special are genuinely attracting customer attention.
For pharmacies, where customer journeys can be more geared towards specific needs, the analysis helps to organise aisles intuitively, grouping the most sought-after products together and reducing the time customers spend searching for an item.
As for hardware stores, these maps reveal areas of hesitation and help with positioning information displays or staff to streamline the customer journey and purchase process.
📉 Loss reduction and better resource management
Heatmaps are not just for improving the customer experience: they are also a loss prevention tool. By identifying frequently visited but poorly monitored areas, security managers can optimise the placement 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. Retailers gain a comprehensive overview to anticipate incidents.
The result: reduced losses, better allocation of human resources, and greater peace of mind for floor staff.
🌐 A technology adopted by several thousand users, thanks to Oxania
Oxania, a specialist in detecting suspicious in-store gestures, already provides these tools to several thousand professional users in the retail sector. Its system is based 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 is a decisive competitive advantage for any retailer focused on operational efficiency.
