6 Commonly Asked Questions About In-Store Retail Media

By Erik Adams

In-store retail media has become an essential part of the omnichannel marketing mix, enabling retailers to unlock new revenue streams and providing brands with tangible opportunities to connect with customers at the point of purchase. As in-store retail media gains momentum, questions about its implementation, measurement and effectiveness naturally arise. Below, we address six commonly asked questions about in-store retail media — and explain how Walkbase can help you achieve measurable success.

1. What is in-store retail media? What is considered retail media?

There are four types of retail media — online, in store, mobile and CTV — and in-store is the biggest source of untapped retail revenue. In-store retail media refers to advertising and promotional content displayed within a physical retail environment. What is an example of in-store retail media? This includes digital screens, shelf displays, end caps, audio announcements and other formats that deliver targeted messaging to customers as they shop.

Walkbase enhances in-store retail media by leveraging advanced analytics and sensor technologies to deliver tailored content that resonates with shoppers. By measuring customer engagement and ad effectiveness inside brick-and-mortar stores, Walkbase helps retailers optimize content for higher conversions and a better overall customer experience.

2. What is retail media closed-loop measurement?

Closed-loop measurement is the process of linking ad exposures to actual purchases, providing a complete view of campaign performance. In the context of in-store retail media, this means measuring how many customers who viewed an advertisement went on to purchase the advertised product.

Walkbase Bluetooth or millimeter wave sensors placed above or below in-store retail media screens measure ad impressions and dwell time for every ad. This precise attribution empowers retailers and advertisers to track the direct impact of their campaigns and optimize strategies for improved conversion rates and greater success.

3. How do you measure retail media effectiveness?

Understanding how well retail media works is key to seeing its impact on customer behavior and return on investment (ROI). With Walkbase, you can track the full journey of in-store retail media, linking ad impressions directly to loyalty or transaction data. This means you’ll get a clear picture of how in-store ads drive purchases, offering a clear view of ROI.

Walkbase also captures essential behavioral data, such as customer dwell time and pathing. Using advanced sensor technologies like Bluetooth and millimeter wave, Walkbase provides a comprehensive understanding of customer engagement, all while maintaining a privacy-centric approach that avoids capturing personally identifiable information (PII).

4. What are the margins for retail media?

Retail media often provides higher margins compared to traditional retail operations. With in-store retail media, brands pay retailers based on cost-per-thousand impressions (CPM) or similar models. While CPMs for in-store media can vary, they are typically competitive with digital advertising rates, offering a significant revenue opportunity for retailers.

Walkbase helps maximize these margins by improving ad performance and visibility through data-driven insights. With Walkbase’s analytics and attribution capabilities, retailers can demonstrate tangible ROI to advertisers, encouraging continued investment in their in-store media networks.

5. What are retail measurement services?

Retail measurement services refer to tools and technologies that track key performance indicators (KPIs) within retail environments. These KPIs include customer traffic, dwell time, pathing and conversion rates. Measurement tools can vary, from cameras and computer vision to advanced sensors.

Walkbase takes a privacy-first approach to retail measurement, avoiding biometric data or personal information. Instead, it uses advanced sensor technology, like Bluetooth and millimeter wave, to collect accurate, anonymous insights about customer behavior and ad engagement. All this data is pulled together into a simple, easy-to-use dashboard, giving retailers and advertisers clear, actionable insights.

6. What is retail media analytics?

Retail media analytics refers to the process of measuring and analyzing the performance of retail media campaigns. This includes tracking customer interactions with ads, measuring dwell time and assessing how these interactions influence purchasing behavior.

Walkbase’s retail media analytics solution provides a holistic view of campaign performance. By capturing ad impressions and customer behavioral data, Walkbase allows retailers to understand how customers interact with in-store advertisements. Insights are presented in an intuitive dashboard, making it easy for retailers and advertisers to analyze performance and optimize campaigns for better results.

Unlock the Power of In-Store Retail Media With Walkbase

In-store retail media represents an exciting opportunity for retailers to drive new revenue streams with actionable insights and for advertisers to connect with their target audience in meaningful ways. Walkbase is at the forefront of this evolution, providing advanced measurement, attribution and analytics solutions that help retailers and brands achieve tangible ROI.

From closed-loop measurement to privacy-centric sensor technology, Walkbase empowers retailers to deliver impactful, data-driven campaigns that enhance the customer experience and drive results.

Ready to learn more? Contact Walkbase today to discover how our solutions can transform your in-store retail media strategy.

About the Author

Erik Adams is the marketing manager for Walkbase. With more than 12 years of marketing experience across industries, including automotive, local government and retail, he brings a unique perspective on how organizations can leverage technology to optimize operations and enhance the customer experience.

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