Choosing the Right Video Surveillance Software for Retailers

This article was originally written in March 2022 and has since been updated with new discoveries and research in 2025.

Shoplifting isn’t always loud or obvious. It’s often quiet, calculated, and repeated. Over time, small losses from familiar faces pile up. And for retailers juggling tight margins and short-staffed teams, every missed incident hits hard.

Video security has long been a key component of retail safety strategies. But in today’s video surveillance industry, it’s the software (not just the security cameras) that sets effective systems apart. From IP cameras to cloud-based services, emerging technologies are shifting the way physical security systems operate.

This guide is designed to help you understand video surveillance software, not just the cameras or kits, but the tools that support and protect your stores and staff. Whether you manage one store or multiple locations, the right software should make your day easier, not more complicated.

Why the software behind your video surveillance or video management system matters

The camera only sees. It’s the software that decides what you notice.

Retailers often install high-quality network cameras, but without smart software, they’re left to manually review hours of footage. The right video surveillance software flips that. It monitors in real time, flags what matters, and helps your team act faster.

And this isn’t just about catching someone in the act. 

Smart software helps:

• Detect recurring theft patterns
• Reduce manual review time
• Improve response times
• Align with public safety industry standards

It also plays a major role in staff workload. When alerts are timely and accurate, your team isn’t chasing false alarms or missing what matters. For multi-store operators, software significantly impacts how consistently policies can be applied and overseen across locations.

Key features to look for in retail video surveillance software

A good system fits your store. A great one fits your team.

Here’s what matters when choosing video surveillance software.

Real-time detection and alerts

You need to act before a theft happens, not review footage after the loss. The best systems use video analytics to detect suspicious behavior and send alerts instantly.

With AI video surveillance, alerts include video data that help staff quickly assess and respond.

Compatibility with existing systems

You shouldn’t need a full hardware overhaul. Look for software that integrates with your current setup (IP-based video surveillance systems with RTSP support). Tools like Veesion plug into your existing system and work out of the box, with remote or in-store installation options.

If you're wondering how to install and use a surveillance camera, the right solution simplifies the process, guiding you step-by-step with no technical expertise required.

Customization and control

Your store is different from the one down the street. You need to adjust detection sensitivity, decide which gestures to detect, and control when and how you receive alerts. Veesion lets you work with a Customer Success Manager (CSM) to set this up quickly.

Privacy-aligned and secure

Look for solutions that respect privacy guidelines. That means no facial recognition or biometric data, just smart detection of gestures and movement patterns. This protects customers and enhances physical security without crossing privacy lines.

Less noise, more signal

Not every movement is suspicious. The right software utilizes AI, machine learning, and sophisticated analytics to minimize false alarms and prioritize genuine threats. That keeps your team focused and reduces noise.

Common pitfalls retailers should avoid

Not all software is built with retail in mind. 

Watch out for these red flags:

• No analytics solutions or reporting: If you can’t track patterns or outcomes, you can’t improve.
• Hardware replacement required: Some tools force you to swap your entire device ecosystem. That’s costly and disruptive.
• Too complex for daily use: If the software isn’t intuitive, your staff won’t use it or they’ll use it incorrectly.
• Flashy but ineffective functions: Stick to what delivers value: better safety, faster response, and useful insights.

The bottom line: if your software adds complexity without adding clarity or control, it’s working against you, not for you.

Comparing traditional vs AI-enabled surveillance software

Here’s where things really shift. Traditional video surveillance tools focus on recording. AI-enabled surveillance platforms help you act.

Here’s an overview:

AI doesn’t replace people. It supports them. 

Tools like Veesion utilize an integrated system to analyze gestures, detect concealment, and send push notifications to store teams in real-time. That means employees aren’t glued to windows or watching screens, they’re free to focus on service.

Questions to ask before choosing your software

Before you commit, ask:

• Will this work with our existing IP cameras and systems?
• Can our team use it without major training?
• Does it reduce shrinkage or improve response times?
• How long will setup take? (Hint: Veesion installs in under 30 minutes)
• Can it scale to multiple locations, even with different setups?
• Can we customize alerts, recording preferences, and service hours?

If the answer isn’t clear or the vendor dodges specifics, that’s a red flag.

Why Veesion is the smart choice for retailers

Veesion isn’t another generic solution. It’s made for retail, built for physical security, and designed to support real business needs.

You get:

• Focus on repeat theft: Over 60% of thefts caught are from repeat offenders.
• Real-time gesture detection: Veesion watches for known theft behaviors, especially bag concealment.
• Works seamlessly with your current system: No need to replace your security cameras or network.
• Easy setup: Most installations take less than 30 minutes.
• Tailored support: Customer Success Managers help adjust detection per camera, store, or time of day.
• Role-based dashboards: One platform, one store, one interface. Role-based dashboards provide a single interface per store, simplifying daily use and keeping teams focused.
• Proven results: Trusted by thousands of retailers worldwide, Veesion is becoming a global leader in AI-powered video surveillance.

Veesion even helps with remote access, centralized access control, and cloud-based tools for smarter video management. 

Available across mobile, desktop, and web platforms, allowing your team to access alerts and footage from anywhere. This is how you enhance security without creating extra work.

Read the full video surveillance guide for more.

Smarter surveillance, simpler operations

Choosing the right surveillance solution isn’t just about catching theft. It’s about giving your team better technology, reducing day-to-day stress, and getting peace of mind that your store is protected.

With modern tools like Veesion, you don’t need an eagle-eye network setup or a costly security center upgrade. You just need a cloud-based, analytics-powered tool that works with what you already have. 

Veesion is used by retailers of all sizes, from independent stores to multi-store companies looking to strengthen their physical security without complicating operations.

Want to see how Veesion meets your specific needs? 

Book a demo and discover how end users are using push notifications and remote management to stay ahead of theft, with AI that’s always up to date.