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The New Era of Retail with AI-Native Store™

An Innovative Approach for Retailers

February 26, 2026, marked a significant milestone in the retail industry when Vusion and Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. unveiled their collaborative whitepaper titled "The AI-Native Store™: The New Operating System for Physical Commerce". This groundbreaking document outlines how the integration of Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), EdgeSense technology, and on-device artificial intelligence (AI) will drastically change how stores function, how employees engage, and how customers interact within the physical retail space.

As today's shoppers enter stores armed with BLE-enabled devices such as smartphones, headphones, wearables, and smart glasses, they naturally expect real-time assistance and navigation. Retail environments that fail to harness BLE and EdgeSense technology risk becoming obsolete, leaving them unable to recognize buying intents or create customized shopping experiences. This creates a significant competitive disadvantage in a fast-evolving retail landscape.

The Competitive Edge of AI-Native Stores™

The concept of AI-Native Stores™ not only anticipates the needs of modern consumers but also promotes operational efficiencies for retailers. According to the findings shared by Vusion and Qualcomm, these stores provide quantifiable benefits such as:

• - Improved merchandise availability and shelf conditions
• - Enhanced speed and accuracy in picking for local e-commerce
• - Savings of 60 to 90 minutes of labor per shift for employees
• - Clear and secure purchasing decisions for consumers directly at the shelf
• - Deterministic, closed attribution for retail media
• - An increase of 1.5 to 2 percentage points in additional operational margin

Art Miller, VP and Global Head of Retail at Qualcomm Technologies, highlighted the transformative potential of BLE and on-device AI, stating, "Edge computing will fundamentally reshape everyday environments and the retail sector is in a prime position to lead this change." This technology allows for a higher level of responsiveness in stores, enhancing the interaction among stores, staff, and consumers.

The Role of BLE and EdgeSense

Both Vusion and Qualcomm are pioneering a new retail infrastructure that is open, scalable, and deliberately designed for AI-native experiences. Leveraging Bluetooth Low Energy—a globally recognized connectivity standard integrated into billions of devices—these companies are enabling real-time intelligence and seamless customer interactions in stores.

A key component of the AI-Native Store™ is the combination of technologies including IoT, data analytics, and AI, which serves to transform physical retail spaces into intelligent, adaptive environments. Vusion emphasizes enhancing stores into smarter and better-connected environments through an integrated ecosystem that adheres to the three pillars of Vusion Intelligence, Vusion Connect, and Vusion IoT. This approach translates real-time signals from stores into actionable insights and measurable performance at scale.

A Vision for the Future

Both Vusion and Qualcomm envision a future where the AI-Native Store™ plays a critical role in retail transformation, leading to improved decision-making for consumers and streamlined operations for employees. By integrating BLE connectivity, EdgeSense intelligence, and on-device AI, retailers can create experiences that are not only efficient but also interactive and profitable.

Thierry Gadou, Chairman and CEO of Vusion, echoed this sentiment stating, "AI-Native Stores™ fundamentally redefine the economics and experience of brick-and-mortar retail." By fostering environments that guide employees and assist customers in making informed decisions, retailers are not just enhancing commerce but also driving towards a more sustainable and human-centered future.

In conclusion, as retail industries adapt to these innovative technologies and methodologies, the importance of AI-Native Store™ cannot be overstated. It is clear that embracing this trend will be essential for retailers looking to stay competitive in an increasingly digital world. Vusion and Qualcomm are setting a new standard, empowering retailers to navigate this transformative era successfully.

For additional insights, the full whitepaper is available for download here.