There are multiple and growing examples of how Internet is permeating the business culture of offline business.

A company in the UK detects and tracks the radio frequency signals from mobile  phones to understand shopping behavior in retail spaces. Path Intelligence claims their technology is helping retailers to understand and optimize retail flow by gathering large amount of data free from human error and bias.

Among the questions that surveillance of mobile phones may help to answer, the company suggests:

  • Can shopping centres afford just one anchor store or do shoppers at M&S also visit John Lewis?
  • Would your shopping mall benefit from the inclusion of a gym?