Edge Computing in Retail: Transforming Customer Experience and Operations

Edge computing is revolutionizing the retail industry by enabling faster responses and real-time decision-making. This technology is becoming increasingly essential for retailers looking to achieve their business objectives, from enhancing the in-store customer experience to optimizing store operations.

After our commissioned study conducted by Forrester Consulting was completed, we invited Forrester VP, Principal Analyst, Michele Pelino, to meet with SUSE’s Head of the Edge Business Unit, Keith Basil, to discuss the study’s outcomes and the opportunities that the study’s findings present for the future of the retail industry.  

View their discussion here: How Edge Computing is Powering the Future of Retail.

We’ve also provided a summary of their conversation below.

Webcast speakers

Michele Pelino

Michele Pelino, a VP, principal analyst at Forrester Research, specializes in edge computing research, covering areas such as edge intelligence, edge computing research agenda and provides insights into its impact across various industries, including retail.

Keith Basil

Keith Basil, General Manager for SUSE’s Edge business, is responsible for leading the strategy and go-to-market efforts for SUSE’s Edge solutions. As the champion for SUSE’s Edge business, he brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the table, helping retailers navigate the complexities of edge computing.

Methodology of the Forrester Study

The Forrester study delves into the demand for edge computing use cases and solutions in retail, with a particular focus on transforming the in-store shopper journey and enhancing employee experiences. The study surveyed 269 infrastructure and architecture strategy decision-makers or influencers at brick-and-mortar retailers in North America and Europe.

Current state of edge computing in retail

Retailers are increasingly adopting edge computing to improve the in-store customer experience. Smart digital signage, real-time fraud detection and personalized shopping experiences are just a few of the ways edge computing is being utilized. Additionally, edge computing is optimizing store operations through advanced inventory management and efficient employee task management.

Challenges and solutions in retail edge computing

One of the primary challenges retailers face is integrating edge computing with their existing IT infrastructure. Ensuring security and compliance is another significant concern. SUSE addresses these challenges by providing robust solutions that manage edge environments securely and efficiently. Their advanced security features and edge to cloud integration capabilities are particularly noteworthy.

Success stories and case studies

A European retailer leveraged SUSE’s Edge computing solutions to enhance in-store digital signage, leading to a 20% increase in customer engagement and a 15% boost in sales. In North America, another retailer implemented SUSE’s Edge solutions for fraud detection and loss prevention, achieving a 40% reduction in shrinkage. These success stories highlight the tangible benefits of edge computing in retail.

Future trends and innovations in retail edge computing

The future of edge computing in retail is promising, with a growing emphasis on artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) for predictive analytics and customer insights. The proliferation of the Internet of Things (IoT) in retail will be further supported by edge computing, enabling real-time data processing from a variety of IoT devices.

Enhancing customer experiences with edge computing

Edge computing facilitates real-time, personalized interactions, such as dynamic couponing and smart digital signage, which significantly improve customer engagement and loyalty. Retailers can respond swiftly to customer needs and preferences, creating a more engaging and relevant shopping environment.

Optimizing store operations with edge computing

Edge computing optimizes store operations by enabling real-time inventory management, fraud detection, and employee task management. Smart inventory systems can automatically track stock levels and trigger alerts when items need to be reordered, leading to improved efficiency and reduced costs.

The role of partners in enabling retail edge computing

Partners like SUSE are instrumental in helping retailers successfully deploy edge computing. SUSE offers comprehensive services and solutions, including expertise in Kubernetes and container orchestration, which are crucial for managing distributed environments. Their support ensures that retailers can navigate the complexities of edge computing with confidence.

Learn more

The Forrester study is about elevating customer experiences in retail and underscores the critical role of edge computing in transforming the retail sector. SUSE’s range of services and solutions supports retailers in their edge computing initiatives, helping them gain a competitive edge, enhance customer experiences and optimize their operations.

As the retail landscape continues to evolve, embracing edge computing will be key to staying ahead of the curve.

Watch the full webcast to learn more about key retail technology trends.