Retailers aren’t just talking about artificial intelligence (AI) anymore – they’re acting on it. In a recent survey of over 150 retailers, commissioned by Solink and conducted by a third-party out of New York, nearly 70% of retail leaders said AI in video security is a “critical” or “high” priority.
The state of AI in retail
Solink partnered with a research firm to survey 150 retail leaders, with a goal of answering core questions around who is adopting AI in retail settings, what drives success or future adoption, and how confident are different teams when it comes to implementing AI within their function of the retail business.
That push isn’t just about new tech. It’s about solving the same problems retailers have been dealing with for years: high labor costs, shrinking margins, poor visibility, and disconnected systems.
The top five things retailers want AI to help with according to the survey?
Inventory optimization (41.8%)
Operational efficiency (35.3%)
Customer experience (32.7%)
Ease of integration (28%)
Revenue and profitability (26.3%)
This blog breaks down what the data says and how Solink is already helping retailers hit those goals with AI-powered video security.
You don’t need another spreadsheet to tell you something’s missing – you need to see it in real time. That’s why 41.8% of retailers in the survey ranked inventory optimization as one of the most important use cases for AI-powered video security.
That’s where AI-powered spot checks come in. Platforms like Solink make it easy to run virtual shelf audits at scale.
Instead of walking the floor or relying on secondhand updates, managers can use video to remotely inspect shelf conditions across any store, any time. Whether it’s a low-stock situation, empty shelves, or high-demand items that haven’t been restocked, you can spot it fast and act before it impacts sales.
With video-based spot checks, teams don’t need to be in the building to stay on top of the floor. You get real-time, visual proof of what’s available, and what’s not, so inventory decisions are based on facts, not assumptions.
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2. Operational efficiency: Less manual work, more insight
Retail teams don’t have time to chase down problems after the fact. But that’s exactly what happens when you’re stuck digging through hours of footage or switching between disconnected systems.
That’s why 35.3% of retailers in the survey said improving operational efficiency is their top reason for investing in AI.
Here are three ways AI-powered video security helps retailers get that time back:
Real-time alerts that help you act fast
Modern video platforms can now send instant alerts when they detect risky or unusual activity, this includes any from a point-of-sale system as well – like repeat voids, funny refunds or discounts being abused. Connecting the information with video proof of any incident.
Why it matters: You don’t have to wait for someone to report a problem. You get ahead of it before it costs you money. Solink offers rule-based alerts tied to POS or sensor data, so teams know what’s happening the moment it happens.
Video linked to data and information, not guesswork
Instead of scrubbing through hours of footage, teams can search by transaction, time, keyword or even a direct search term inside of what Solink is calling Sidekick AI. With Sidekick, the system acts to find exactly what you are looking for within your footage. For example:
Camera linking, or following an incident
Investigations don’t stop at one camera. But following someone across multiple views, especially in a large or unfamiliar store, used to be tedious. Now, AI handles that for you.
With Solink’s camera linking feature for example, the system detects motion patterns between cameras and automatically builds a clickable path to follow the movement. No guesswork. No backtracking. Just one click to jump from camera to camera in real time.
Why it matters: Whether you’re tracking a suspect, verifying a store walk, or reviewing employee activity, you can follow the full story in seconds, even if you’ve never stepped foot in that location.
3. Customer experience: Better service starts with better visibility
You can’t improve what you can’t see. When it comes to customer experience, most retailers are still guessing – guessing where people go, how long they stay, who gets greeted, and what drives a purchase.
32.7% of retailers in the survey said enhancing customer experience is their top reason for investing in AI.
With features like zone tracking through Solink and dwell time analysis, retailers can see exactly how customers move through a store, how long they spend in key areas, and whether those visits turn into sales.
This matters most in areas tied to engagement – like fitting stations, product demos, or gaming sections. If customers are walking by but not interacting, that’s a missed opportunity.
Use case: Zone tracking and dwell time
AI tracks how long customers spend in specific parts of the store. When you compare that to sales data, you can figure out what’s working, and what’s not.
High traffic, low sales? Maybe the layout’s confusing or the offer isn’t clear
Low traffic, high sales? You’ve found something sticky – replicate it elsewhere
Lots of time spent in a zone, but low conversion? Try training, signage, or a promo
Use case: Employee engagement and training
Retailers are also using video analytics to improve frontline execution. Are employees greeting customers? Are they demonstrating key products? With remote video access, regional managers can coach staff based on real behavior, not gut feeling.
AI helps spot patterns across locations, identify strong performers, and highlight where more training may be needed.
Use case: Testing promotions and layouts
Video tied to sales gives retailers a new way to measure in-store marketing. Want to see if a display drives traffic? Or if a layout change improves flow? AI lets you track it all.
No more guessing what worked. You get visual, measurable feedback that helps you fine-tune your strategy.
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4. Ease of integration: AI that fits your existing systems
Adding AI shouldn’t mean ripping out what already works. Retailers want tools that plug into their current setup, not ones that force costly overhauls or long rollouts.
28% of large retailers in the survey ranked “ease of integration with existing systems” as the most important factor when selecting an AI vendor.
Retailers are looking for platforms that work with their POS, existing cameras, and cloud infrastructure, without needing new hardware, licensing models, or complex installs.
What easy integration looks like:
Works with your existing cameras. No need to replace every device. Smart AI video platforms can layer on top of what you already have.
Connects to your POS system. AI tools that sync directly with your transaction data unlock instant insights, from loss prevention to customer behavior.
Cloud-based, not clunky. Modern video platforms offer browser-based access – no VPNs, no software installs, and no waiting on IT every time you need to check footage.
Solink does exactly that, connecting seamlessly with your existing cameras and POS systems to deliver AI-powered insights, without the need for hardware replacements or long deployment timelines.
5. Revenue and profitability: Turn smarter operations into higher margins
Retailers in the survey ranked “increase revenue or profitability” as a top priority, with 26.3% of C-Suite leaders selecting it as their number one reason for investing in AI.
From internal theft to missed training and inventory mishandling, the right AI tools help catch issues early and tighten up operations across the board.
How AI protects profit:
Solink line crossing insights to track conversion opportunities
When customers enter key zones, like the fitting area, service counter, or promo section, AI can track those movements and compare them to transactions. If people are crossing into high-value areas but not buying, it’s a sign something’s off: poor service, unclear messaging, or lack of staff follow-up.
Catch internal theft, not just shoplifting
It’s not always outsiders. AI tied to POS data helps flag patterns like fake returns, repeated discounts, or off-hours access to sensitive areas. You see exactly what happened and who was involved – without spending hours digging.
Improve employee training and accountability
Video-backed coaching helps managers spot missed greetings, idle time, or inconsistent service. That leads to stronger customer interactions, higher conversion rates, and more trust on the floor.
Ensure inventory compliance
AI-powered spot checks and zone monitoring confirm that high-margin items are stocked, priced correctly, and merchandised properly. No more discovering issues after the fact.
Revenue loss isn’t always dramatic, it’s often a dozen little things going unchecked. AI helps surface them faster, fix them sooner, and protect the margin you’ve already earned.
AI video security solves real problems
Retailers aren’t adopting AI video security because it’s trendy. They’re doing it because it solves real, expensive problems.
Across the board, 70% of retailers want video tools that help them:
Reduce manual work
Improve service and engagement
Keep shelves stocked and selling
Fit into the systems they already use
And protect profit margins with fewer gaps
AI video security is no longer a future investment. It’s a current priority, and platforms like Solink are already helping retailers turn footage into action.
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