Retail is facing a security and operational crossroad. Theft and organized retail crime present major obstacles to the industry. Meanwhile, outdated video systems have notable limitations—not just in mitigating theft, but in operational efficiency, employee safety, and customer experience. For retailers juggling large perimeters, complex layouts, and compliance demands, the right video intelligence system can be the difference between profit and loss.

Enter video AI systems for retail. These platforms turn passive cameras into anticipatory business tools, combining AI video analytics, real-time alerts, and seamless integrations with POS and inventory systems. The result: smarter loss mitigation, greater operational effectiveness, and operational data that drives revenue.

But with a crowded market and fast-evolving features, how do you select the best fit? This guide compares the top 8 video AI monitoring solutions for retail—objectively weighing their strengths, implementation realities, and total cost of ownership. Whether you’re running a single store or a multi-site chain, this is your guide to a safer, more productive retail operation.

At-a-glance: Top 8 video AI systems for retail

2025 retail security showdown: Deep dives into the top video AI solutions

Spot AI

Spot AI’s platform is built for retail with a focus on speed, simplicity, and operational impact. Unlike legacy systems, Spot AI’s hybrid platform combines on-premise video analysis with secure cloud storage, making video AI analytics accessible to any retail team—no IT degree required.

• AI-powered search: Find critical incidents in seconds, not hours.

• Real-time alerts: Get notified as issues arise regarding theft, safety risks, or operational issues.

• Camera-agnostic: Use existing IP cameras or add new ones—no forklift upgrades.

• Intuitive dashboard: Manage all locations, share clips, and generate reports with minimal training required.

• Hybrid storage: Footage is stored locally, even if the internet drops.

Implementation & ROI:

• Deployment: Live in under a week; minimal disruption to store operations.

• Ongoing costs: Transparent subscription, no hidden fees or forced hardware lock-in.

• ROI timeline: Customers often report marked shrinkage reduction and lower security staffing costs within months of deployment.

Retail Use Cases:

• Cut incident investigation time from hours to minutes.

• Optimize staffing and product placement with operational data.

Why Spot AI stands out:
Spot AI empowers frontline teams to minimize the risk of accidents, reduce downtime, and boost profits—without adding headcount. Its ease of use and rapid deployment make it the go-to for retailers who need results, not complexity.

Hanwha Vision

Hanwha Vision’s Wisenet P series brings a reliable, unified approach to retail security. Its edge: powerful AI forensic search and audio-visual deterrence.

• AI filters can drastically reduce footage review time.

• Automated warnings deter loiterers and potential thieves.

• Real-time occupancy and multi-store dashboards.

Deployment & Considerations:

• Hybrid model with edge processing and cloud analytics.

• API integrations allow for custom workflows but may require IT support.

• Subscription pricing based on camera volume and analytics modules.

Best for:
Big-box retailers needing advanced deterrence and centralized analytics.

Potential Hurdles:
Higher complexity and IT requirements can slow rollout for smaller chains.

Hikvision

Hikvision’s Security & Loss Prevention Suite is designed for mitigating theft in high-risk retail environments. The system’s ScanWatch software and facial recognition tools help reduce losses from issues like mislabeling.

• Real-time detection of unscanned items at self-checkout.

• Thermal imaging for crowd monitoring during peak periods.

Deployment & Cost:

• Primarily on-premise for strict data compliance.

• One-time license model avoids recurring fees but requires upfront investment.

Best for:
Electronics stores, high-theft locations, and retailers with strict compliance needs.

Limitations:
Limited in customer analytics and operational data compared to cloud-first competitors.

Dahua Technology

Dahua’s Stereo Analysis system is built for operational efficiency with AI cameras—especially in warehouse and large-format retail.

• 3D heatmapping and deep learning track customer density and dwell times.

• Radar-PTZ linkage automatically follows suspicious individuals.

Implementation:

• On-premise only; requires a reliable local network and storage.

• Suited for environments where bandwidth is not a constraint.

Best for:
Warehouse retailers prioritizing operational analytics over pure security.

Key Considerations:
No cloud option; integration with existing POS/VMS can be complex.

Avigilon

Avigilon’s Appearance Search technology is a powerful forensic tool for multi-site retail chains.

• Attribute-based indexing finds “yellow backpack” across petabytes of video.

• AI-driven alerts for perimeter breaches.

Deployment & Cost:

• Cloud-native; scales easily across locations.

• Per-camera subscription model.

Use Cases:

• Rapid evidence compilation for theft or liability incidents.

• Ideal for retailers needing fast, accurate investigations.

Considerations:
Ongoing subscription costs can add up at scale, but ROI is strong for high-incident environments.

Axis Communications

Axis stands out for its open architecture and focus on customer experience optimization in retail.

• Queue detection and automated staff alerts cut checkout times.

• Digital signage integration for targeted promotions.

• Occupancy analytics for compliance and crowd control.

Deployment:

• Cloud-first, integrates with over 300 VMS partners.

• Flexible APIs for custom workflows.

Best for:
Grocery and apparel chains optimizing for both security and customer satisfaction.

Limitations:
Advanced analytics may require third-party add-ons.

Bosch

Bosch’s FLEXIDOME IP 4000i series is purpose-built for visible deterrence and safety in fast-moving retail environments.

• Behavior-triggered zoom for high-res images of entrants.

• Tamper detection and public view monitors (PVMs).

• Decoupled monitor placement for maximum deterrence.

Deployment:
On-premise edge processing; minimal cloud features.

Best for:
Convenience stores and locations where visible security presence is key.

Potential Drawbacks:
Fewer analytics than cloud-first competitors; not suited for deep operational data.

Verkada

Verkada’s Helix platform is a unified security and operational efficiency platform for luxury retail and high-value operations.

• POS fraud detection matches video with transactions to help lower chargebacks.

• EAS (electronic article monitoring) integration auto-flags shoplifters.

Deployment & Cost:

• Cloud-based with 365-day onboard storage.

• Hardware included in subscription.

Use Cases:
Luxury retailers, high-theft urban locations, multi-site chains needing consolidated data.

Considerations:
Requires strong IT infrastructure for full feature set; costs can be higher for smaller stores.

Unlock security and efficiency: Take the next step with Spot AI

Choosing the right video AI system for retail improves your entire operation, not just loss mitigation. The right platform will cut shrinkage, boost operational efficiency, and empower your team to make smarter, faster decisions. Spot AI delivers all this with speed and simplicity.

Ready to see the difference for yourself? Book a demo with Spot AI’s experts. We’ll design a tailored solution that meets your specific security and operational needs—so you can protect your people, profits, and reputation, starting today.

Frequently asked questions

How do video AI systems for retail differ from traditional camera systems?

Video AI systems employ advanced video analytics to detect suspicious behavior, automate alerts, and provide operational data—capabilities that go far beyond passive camera systems. They help lower shrinkage, optimize staffing, and enhance the customer experience by turning video into useful information.

Can I use my existing cameras with these video AI systems?

Many video AI platforms, like Spot AI, are camera-agnostic. They can integrate with most ONVIF-compliant IP cameras, allowing you to upgrade your analytics and storage without replacing your entire camera network.

What’s the typical ROI for video AI in retail?

While results vary, retailers often report substantial reductions in shrinkage, lower security staffing costs, and greater operational efficiency. Some see a full return on investment within the first year of deployment (Source: Pelco, 2024).

What if my internet goes down?

Hybrid systems like Spot AI store footage locally and sync to the cloud when connectivity is restored, so you don’t lose critical video evidence.

Which video analytics are best for detecting ORC patterns in retail?

<p>Detecting organized retail crime (ORC) requires a combination of video AI capabilities. The most effective systems allow you to use multi-site search to track individuals or vehicles across different locations, get real-time alerts on suspicious coordinated activities, and rapidly compile and share evidence with law enforcement. This turns your cameras into a proactive tool for identifying and responding to ORC rings.</p>

What is the best video analytics for detecting loitering at storefronts?

<p>Loitering detection uses video AI to automatically identify and alert you when a person or vehicle remains in a designated area for longer than a set time. Systems like Spot AI make this easy by allowing you to define specific zones, such as storefronts or parking lots, and customize time thresholds. This helps you proactively deter potential theft or vandalism before it happens.</p>

About the author

Amrish Kapoor is the VP of Technology at Spot AI, specializing in AI system architecture, machine learning, and scalable cloud infrastructure for enterprise video analysis. With over a decade of experience in developing advanced video analysis solutions, Amrish empowers retailers to harness the power of AI for safer, smarter, and more efficient operations.