(c)iStock.com/mediaphotos
A Research and Markets report evaluates the adoption of machine-to-machine (M2M) communications within the retail sector and highlights that wirelessly connected point-of-sale (POS) terminals and multi-space parking meters are among the most advanced applications in this field.
Berg Insight projects that the number of cellular M2M connections in retail will increase to 44.3 million by 2019, up from 23.1 million in 2014, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.9%.
Wireless M2M technologies are seeing strong uptake across retail, particularly in POS systems and on-street parking solutions. These technologies enable real-time data transfer, remote management, and improved payment and service options that simplify operations and enhance customer experience.
The multi-space parking meter segment has achieved the highest level of penetration—exceeding 50%—and was one of the first retail-related verticals to adopt cellular M2M connectivity. Single-space parking meters are currently among the fastest-growing segments, driven by recent increases in deployments and the need for flexible, connected urban parking solutions.
Connected POS terminals represent a comparatively mature market; much of the recent growth stems from wider acceptance of electronic and mobile payments in emerging markets, where retailers are upgrading infrastructure to support modern payment methods and remote management.
The report examines the potential market size for wireless M2M communications in retail, identifies the key applications with strong commercial potential, and outlines trends shaping each vertical segment. It investigates how connectivity is transforming retail operations, from inventory and payment systems to logistics and customer-facing services.
Coverage includes leading vendors in vending telemetry, developments in wireless ATM connectivity, major providers of connected parking meter solutions, and the global tally of connected digital signage installations. The report also provides a regional breakdown of cellular connectivity attach rates for POS terminals and tracks advancements in public transport fare collection systems, all of which influence retail-related M2M adoption.
This analysis gives retailers, technology providers, and city planners actionable insight into how cellular connectivity is being deployed across retail environments and urban infrastructure, where investment and innovation are concentrated, and which segments present the most immediate opportunities for growth.