Retail Indoor Location Market to Reach $5 Billion in 2018, As Apple Acquires WiFiSLAM for $20 million

Apple’s acquisition of WiFiSLAM illustrates how 2013 will be a breakout year for indoor location as initial trials shift to technology deployments, application development, and revenues.

ABI Research’s latest report “Indoor Location in Retail: Where Is the Money?” provides a complete overview of all major technologies, revenue opportunities and competitive environment. “Analyzing across 10 retail sectors, we are seeing a lot of cross pollination as companies combine handset and infrastructure based Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and sensor location technologies. The emergence of public venue small cells and carrier Wi-Fi will also create a new wave of opportunity,” commented Patrick Connolly, senior analyst. “As a result, we expect to see a flurry of acquisitions and partnerships in 2013, as major players start to make their moves.”

In support of these technologies, ABI Research is also forecasting smartphone retail apps to break 1 billion downloads, while indoor maps will break 1 million buildings, over the forecast period.

Discussing revenue opportunities, practice director Dominique Bonte said: “Proximity and in-store analytics services will emerge as leading revenue generators in 2013. As retailers launch smartphone apps, in-store hyperlocal, aisle-level search will also become much more prevalent. Longer term, in-store advertising will represent a great way for retailers to maximize brand advertising/shopper marketing revenues, increase basket size, and improve customer engagement."

These findings are part of ABI Research’s Location Technologies Research Service, which includes Research Reports, Market Data, Insights, and Competitive Assessments focused on the indoor location market.

ABI Research provides in-depth analysis and quantitative forecasting of trends in global connectivity and other emerging technologies. From offices in North America, Europe and Asia, ABI Research’s worldwide team of experts advises thousands of decision makers through 70+ research and advisory services. Est. 1990. For more information visit www.abiresearch.com, or call +1.516.624.2500.