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 surveillance cameras already present in many retail outlets, these maps accurately reveal the most frequented areas, rarely visited aisles, and major areas of interest.
Unlike traditional analyses based on sales or cash receipts, heatmaps capture actual in-store activity: they help understand traffic flows, identify bottlenecks, and pinpoint "cold" zones with low engagement.
By integrating this technology, retailers have 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 allow for evaluating the relevance of end-of-aisle displays or checking if promotional products genuinely attract customer attention.
For pharmacies, where customer journeys can be more geared towards specific needs, the analysis helps organise shelves intuitively, by bringing frequently searched products closer together and reducing the time spent looking for an item.
As for DIY retailers, these maps reveal hesitation zones and help position information stands or assistants to streamline the journey and purchasing process.
📉 Loss Reduction and Improved Resource Management
Heatmaps are not just for improving customer experience: they are also a tool for loss prevention. By pinpointing frequently visited but poorly monitored areas, security managers can optimise the positioning of teams or smart sensors.
The AI developed by innovative companies like Oxania even allows for identifying suspicious behaviours through gesture analysis, while respecting customer privacy. Retailers gain a comprehensive view 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 stores, already provides these tools to several thousand 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 concerned with operational efficiency.
