In 2022, retail shrink cost the industry $112.1 billion, driven by external theft, employee theft, and process failures (Source: National Retail Federation). As the retail landscape grows more complex—with sprawling footprints, omnichannel logistics, and higher customer expectations—traditional security setups can’t keep pace. Retailers need more than just cameras; they need intelligent, integrated audio/video solutions that not only deter loss but also unlock business insights, boost operational efficiency, and help protect the store.

Audio/video monitoring for retail in 2025 does more than just catch shoplifters. Today’s AI-powered platforms combine video, audio, and advanced analytics to address incidents before they escalate, streamline operations, and deliver measurable ROI. From real-time alerts on suspicious behavior to automated queue management and compliance monitoring, the right solution can improve the efficiency of loss mitigation.

This guide examines the leading options. We compare the top 8 audio/video monitoring solutions for retail, highlighting how each stacks up on deployment, scalability, analytics, and cost. Whether you’re upgrading legacy camera system or building a smart store from scratch, you’ll find the information you need to make the best decision for your business.

At-a-Glance: Top 8 Audio/Video Monitoring Solutions for Retail

Deep Dive: Retail Monitoring Leaders Unpacked

Spot AI

Spot AI redefines how retailers use audio/video technology by democratizing AI-powered video. Its camera-agnostic platform connects seamlessly to existing infrastructure, letting retailers deploy across 1 or 1,000+ sites in days—not months. The hybrid model combines an on-site intelligent video recorder with secure cloud storage, ensuring footage is always accessible, even during internet outages.

• Real-Time AI Search: Find incidents in seconds—search by object or event.

• Real-Time Alerts: Proactively notify teams about shoplifting patterns, safety violations, or operational bottlenecks.

• Operational Analytics: Built-in dashboards provide insights on crowding, checkout status, and operational workflows, helping drive smarter staffing and merchandising.

• Effortless Scalability: Onboard new locations in under a week, with no rip-and-replace required.

• Open Integrations: Works with most ONVIF-compliant IP cameras and leading POS systems.

Implementation Considerations: Live in days with minimal IT lift—ideal for retailers with lean teams. Intuitive dashboard empowers frontline staff, not just IT. Security features include end-to-end encryption, role-based access, and audit trails for compliance.

Total Cost of Ownership: Lower upfront costs by reusing existing cameras. Transparent subscription covers updates, AI features, and support.

• Cut shrink by quickly resolving theft incidents.

• Optimize staffing with analytics for customer crowding and checkout efficiency.

• Improve compliance with automated safety monitoring.

Eagle Eye Networks

Eagle Eye Networks delivers a reliable cloud VMS with AI analytics, tailored for retailers seeking deep POS integration and flexible storage options (Source: Eagle Eye Networks). Its hybrid architecture lets you partition video between cloud and on-premise based on business needs.

• POS Integration: Syncs transaction data with video to catch “sweethearting” and refund fraud.

• Custom Alerts: Deep-linking enables real-time video review of flagged events.

• API Ecosystem: Connects with RFID, access control, and inventory systems.

Implementation Considerations: Hybrid model requires some local hardware. Open APIs add flexibility but increase setup complexity.

Total Cost of Ownership: Hardware and setup for hybrid storage. Subscription-based, scales with usage. Reduces shrink and streamlines investigations, but custom setups may increase costs.

Solink

Solink specializes in transactional intelligence, making it a go-to for retailers focused on fraud detection and operational efficiency (Source: Solink). Its cloud VMS offers unlimited users and locations, with a focus on POS-video integration.

• POS-Video Sync: Filter video in real time by register activity or transaction type.

• Motion Thinning: Stores only activity-triggered footage, reducing storage costs.

• Queue Analytics: Alerts managers to open new registers when lines grow.

Implementation Considerations: 100% cloud; no on-premise servers. Requires POS data connectivity.

Total Cost of Ownership: Minimal hardware, custom quote per site. Cloud subscription, scales with usage.

Axis Communications

Axis is renowned for hardware resilience and advanced analytics—ideal for retailers needing reliable coverage in demanding environments (Source: Axis Communications). Its NDAA-compliant cameras operate in extreme conditions, while AI-powered Appearance Search™ markedly reduces investigation time.

• Thermal & PTZ Cameras: Detect loitering or after-hours movement.

• Appearance Search™: Find individuals by clothing or attributes across multiple sites.

• Heat Mapping: Visualize customer flow for merchandising optimization.

Implementation Considerations: Requires upfront investment in hardware; supports both on-prem and cloud VMS. ONVIF compliant, works with major VMS platforms.

Total Cost of Ownership: Higher initial hardware spend. License fees for analytics; durable hardware lowers replacement costs.

Hikvision

Hikvision’s Smart Retail Suite is packed with analytics for operational insight, including people counting and heat mapping. It’s a strong fit for retailers prioritizing both loss mitigation and customer experience.

• People Counting: Optimizes staffing and guards against over/understaffing.

• Heat Mapping: Identifies high-traffic zones for better merchandising.

• Access Control: Connects with store entry/exit systems for layered security.

Implementation Considerations: Hybrid model; some features require on-premise hardware. Certain analytics features may require specific configurations to align with local regulations.

Total Cost of Ownership: Tiered hardware and software packages. Subscription for analytics and support.

Genetec

Genetec’s Security Center platform is built for enterprise retailers managing complex, multi-site operations (Source: Genetec). Its Mission Control™ module uses AI to prioritize events and automate workflows.

• Incident Prioritization: Decision trees escalate critical events, reducing alert fatigue.

• Collaborative Dashboard: Centralizes video, access, and alarms for all locations.

• Cloud VMS: Eliminates on-premise servers, lowering maintenance costs.

Implementation Considerations: Cloud-based, but may require network upgrades for best performance. Advanced features can require user onboarding.

Total Cost of Ownership: Per-camera license ($150–$300/year). Lower hardware costs; cloud fees scale with usage.

Verkada

Verkada offers an all-in-one, vertically integrated solution with 10-year warranties and a focus on simplicity (Source: Verkada). Its Command platform unifies cameras, access control, and environmental sensors.

• AI Alerts: Identifies persons or vehicles of interest, sends SMS alerts to teams.

• Unified Hardware: Cameras, sensors, and access control managed from one dashboard.

• Mobile App: Enables remote investigations from anywhere.

Implementation Considerations: Closed ecosystem; requires Verkada hardware. Limited third-party camera support.

Total Cost of Ownership: $500–$1,500 per camera, plus $150–$300/year for software. Long warranty reduces replacement costs.

Avigilon

Avigilon’s Unity Video System is a leader in safety compliance and body-worn camera integration (Source: Avigilon). Its Smart Presence™ analytics map customer and staff movements for both security and merchandising.

• Panic Button Integration: Streams live body-cam footage to security during events.

• Appearance Search™: Tracks persons of interest across locations.

• Smart Presence™: Visualizes dwell times and traffic patterns.

Implementation Considerations: Enterprise-grade; may require IT resources for rollout. Works with Motorola body-worn cameras and third-party VMS.

Total Cost of Ownership: Enterprise pricing, custom quotes. Software licenses and support.

Ready to Transform Retail Security? Book a Demo with Spot AI

Choosing the right audio/video solution for retail isn’t just about stopping theft—it’s about unlocking operational efficiency, boosting safety, and turning video into actionable data. Spot AI empowers your teams to reduce the likelihood of incidents, optimize staffing, and run more profitable stores—all without adding complexity or headcount. Want to see how effortless, AI-powered video can work for your business? Book a demo today and discover how Spot AI can strengthen your retail operation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do audio/video systems improve operational efficiency in retail?

Modern platforms use AI video analytics to track foot traffic, queue lengths, and dwell times, helping managers optimize staffing and product placement. Audio sensors can monitor employee-customer interactions for quality assurance, while real-time alerts reduce response times to events.

Can I use existing cameras with new AI platforms?

Yes, many leading solutions—including Spot AI—are camera-agnostic and connect with most ONVIF-compliant IP cameras. This lets you upgrade to AI analytics and cloud storage without replacing all your hardware.

What’s the typical ROI for investing in retail video systems?

The return on investment for modern video solutions comes from multiple areas. Effective systems help reduce losses from theft, while analytics-driven labor optimization and fraud reduction further boost returns and increase profitability.

How do these systems address data privacy concerns?

Best-in-class platforms offer anonymized analytics, end-to-end encryption, and role-based access controls. Some, like Spot AI, offer audit trails and customizable retention policies to help meet compliance requirements.

What are the biggest hurdles when migrating from legacy camera system to modern AI systems?

Common hurdles include integrating with existing IT infrastructure, training staff on new interfaces, and ensuring network reliability for cloud features. Camera-agnostic, user-friendly solutions like Spot AI minimize these challenges by simplifying deployment and onboarding.

About the author

Mike Polodna is Head of Customer Success at Spot AI. With deep expertise in customer onboarding, strategic implementation, and maximizing value from AI-powered video solutions, Mike helps retail leaders turn video data into a driver of safety, efficiency, and ROI. He is passionate about empowering frontline teams and building lasting customer partnerships in retail security.