Indoor Mapping for Retail Analytics: Understanding Shopper Behavior and Optimizing Store Layouts
Tags: navigation, map, retail, usecase
Published: 2023-11-13 12:14:51

Did you know that IKEA’s customers prefer their maze-like layout? The popular Swedish furniture brand opened a few branches using more traditional layouts, but [the new style wasn’t exactly well received](https://www.wsj.com/articles/ikea-tried-getting-rid-of-the-maze-shoppers-wanted-it-back-4513a40c). 

Of course, this doesn’t mean that all retailers should copy IKEA’s style. Instead, it shows the importance of understanding shopper behavior and optimizing store layouts. 

The good news is that with indoor mapping technology, you can easily build powerful applications to track how people behave - from movement patterns to where they spend their money. 

This allows managers to optimize their store layouts and provide their customers with the best shopping experience. 

But you might be wondering, “How does indoor mapping work? And how exactly can indoor mapping technology benefit retailers?” 

Let’s have a closer look. 

## Indoor Mapping Made Easy
Building indoor mapping programs is so much easier today thanks to the number of indoor mapping toolkits you can choose from. These provide you with APIs and SDKs to [build applications](https://dev.to/cschotte/create-your-own-indoor-maps-using-azure-maps-creator-1745) using indoor map data. You provide the CAD drawings, and these toolkits can convert them into indoor map data that can be used by applications. 

Aside from floor plans, these toolkits can also integrate maps of utility lines (such as electricity, plumbing, and network lines) and the location of appliances within the building (like printers, refrigerators, and more). 

Good indoor [mapping toolkits](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/maps/azure) also work with mixed reality solutions, IoT, hybrid cloud, and computer vision to provide retailers with all the data they need. With these, you can build powerful solutions for retail businesses. 

## Use Cases for Indoor Mapping Applications
So what exactly can you build with this indoor mapping technology?

With this technology and your imagination, the possibilities are endless. Here are a few applications and use cases you can go for. 

## Use Case: Analyzing Shopper Behavior
Have you ever wondered which area of a store gets the most foot traffic or where guests spend most of their time?

With indoor mapping technology, you can build applications that show just that. Modern mapping applications can give you very visual data on the movement patterns of customers. You can also program systems that show where people spend money, or how long they linger in certain areas. 

Analytics like this help managers optimize their store layouts to the wants and needs of their customers. It also allows for location-targeted advertising, which can potentially increase conversion rates. 

## Use Case: Improving Customer Satisfaction with Shopping Center Maps
As a customer, large shopping centers can be frustrating if you’re unfamiliar with the area. You can spend a lot of time walking around just looking for a particular store or item. 

With the power of mapping technology, you can build programs that allow shoppers to easily search the premises for what they’re looking for - whether that’s a specific store or a category. 

Indoor mapping technology also allows you to create applications with real-time data. So if a restroom is closed for maintenance, customers won’t waste their time walking there. 

This technology boosts customer satisfaction and will make your shopping center one of the leading centers in your area. 

## Use Case: Intelligent Supply Chain
Map applications aren’t only for public areas. You can also build effective maps for everything that goes on behind the scenes. 

Storage, supply chains, and warehousing can all benefit from an intuitive map program. With visual indoor mapping, you can easily spot inefficiencies in your supply chain layout. You can also program alerts when supplies are running low.

With the insights you gain from modern map applications, you can drastically improve supply chain operations. 

## Use Case: Solving Maintenance Issues Quickly
Maintenance issues can cost you when they aren’t dealt with right away. But with modern indoor mapping technology, finding the problem is easier than ever before. 

Good indoor mapping toolkits allow you to build applications showing the utility lines of buildings, so you can create alerts for any problems in electricity, plumbing, network, or machinery. 

This makes it super quick and easy for maintenance teams to resolve the issue and make sure everything is running smoothly. 

## Getting Started With Indoor Mapping Technology
Whether you’re a retailer who wants to understand your shoppers’ behavior, an entrepreneur looking to build the latest and greatest mapping application, or a maintenance man looking to fix problems as fast as possible to save on downtime, indoor mapping technology has something for you. 

It’s all very exciting, and it allows retailers to create innovative customer experiences and optimize in-store operations.

If you want to start working with this technology, some toolkits allow you to get started for free. 

So what are you waiting for? Dive in and start exploring the wonderful things indoor mapping technology can do for you and your business.