Are You Measuring Foot Traffic Accurately—or Guessing?

In this episode of Retail Retold, Chris Ressa sits down with Carla Hinson, Vice President of Solutions at MRI Software, to uncover the top three things most people don’t know about foot traffic. Carla explains how advancements in data collection have moved from simple counters to cell phone tracking, and now to visual AI that provides true, real-time insights into consumer behavior. She highlights three critical dimensions: potential—the ability to capture more granular and accurate traffic data; performance—understanding capture rates and linking them to revenue outcomes; and optimized experiences—using data to refine in-store layouts, marketing strategies, and customer engagement. With MRI’s OnLocation Footfall Analytics, retailers and landlords can track who’s walking by, who’s entering, and how customers behave once inside. Carla also emphasizes the growing role of AI—both personally and professionally—in shaping expectations around technology adoption and decision-making in real estate.

What you'll hear:

• Carla Henson is the Vice President of Solutions at MRI Software, focusing on strategy and go-to-market initiatives.
• MRI Software is known for property management and supports clients across various segments, including residential and commercial real estate.
• AI is increasingly being integrated into personal and professional lives, enhancing productivity and decision-making.
• Visual AI technology allows for detailed foot traffic analysis, linking to existing security cameras to track customer behavior.
• Understanding foot traffic is crucial for retailers to optimize marketing strategies and improve customer experiences.
• Capture rates are essential metrics for retailers to measure the effectiveness of their storefronts and marketing efforts.
• Data-driven insights can reveal discrepancies in perceived versus actual customer demographics.
• The evolution of technology has shifted expectations from personal to professional environments, impacting how businesses adopt new tools.
• AI has been in development since the 1950s, but its accessibility and application in retail are relatively new.
• The future of data analytics in retail and office spaces holds significant potential for optimizing space usage and enhancing customer engagement.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to MRI Software and Carla Henson

07:25 The Role of AI in Retail and Personal Life

10:58 Understanding Foot Traffic: Potential, Performance, and Optimization

17:09 The Future of Data in