In this article
- What exactly is retail digital signage?
- Cenareo
- ScreenCloud
- BrightSign
- Samsung MagicInfo
- Ablesign
- TelemetryTV
- ViewNeo
- Juuno
- Friendlyway
- What is the best digital signage tool for retail?
Digital signage has become a major feature for many retail stores and has transformed the way retailers interact with customers.
In addition, this versatile technology makes it possible to streamline logistics operations and promote products, not to mention stimulate foot traffic. Whether it's attractive window displays, engaging cash register content, or well-placed screens in stores, screens are now an essential part of the retail landscape. Used properly, retailers can improve brand visibility, influence purchasing decisions, and ensure agile communication across multiple sites through digital signage.
What exactly is retail digital signage?
Retail digital signage refers to the use of digital screens to display dynamic content such as promotions, product information, directions, social media feeds, and internal communications.
It serves multiple purposes, attracting attention, guiding customers, promoting products, creating immersive brand experiences, and even helping staff with real-time updates.
And as retailers realize that the physical shopping experience is always something customers want, any tool that can drive more sales and improve brand awareness among customers is a good thing.
Digital signage hardware must be powered by digital signage software. In the past, it was a USB stick containing images or a laptop connected to screens. Today, digital signage software solutions are cloud-based, agile, and offer features ranging from content creation to interactivity, and much more.
We've selected the best retail digital signage solutions for businesses looking for the perfect display partner.
1. Cenareo
Starting price: Customized pricing according to the size of the screen fleet Supported applications: Standard feeds included (weather, traffic, social networks) + Digital Workplace integrations Key features: Intelligent contextual programming, centralized multi-site management, “glocal” approach, integrated System on Chip, performance measurement, retail media
Cenareo is a major player in digital signage for retail in France and internationally. Founded in 2012 under the name of Citymeo in IoT Valley, the company based in Labège now supports more than 350 customers in 32 countries, managing more than 25,000 screens for major retailers such as Boulanger, Etam, Lagardère, and many other retailers.
Why Cenareo stands out for retail
Recognized retail expertise: Cenareo is specialized in the specific challenges of retail. The company fully understands the challenges of communication at the point of sale, from the attractiveness of window displays to the in-store experience, including the monetization of screens via retail media. The solution was designed to meet the requirements of installations in large retail networks.
Intelligent programming and contextualization: Cenareo's unique technology uses artificial intelligence algorithms to automatically detect the best time of day to broadcast a marketing message, by cross-referencing video metadata, hot trends, time of day, peak periods, and even the weather. This “context-driven marketing” approach allows retailers to maximize the impact of their messages at the right time.
“Glocal” approach for multi-site retailers: Cenareo makes it possible to manage campaigns at the national level with the possibility of interventions and local customizations. This flexibility is particularly appreciated by large retailers who want to maintain brand consistency while allowing local teams to adapt certain messages. Collaborative management with different levels of user rights guarantees optimal granularity.
Improving the customer journey: Connected to the promotion catalog, inventory management software and weather data, Cenareo digital signage becomes a powerful sales medium. The solution makes it possible to make communications constantly up to date (no promotions on sold out products) and contextualizes promotions according to weather conditions, thus making their impact greater. Retailers can also use screens to reduce the feeling of waiting at the checkout by entertaining customers with contests or behind the scenes content about the brand.
Retail media and monetization: Cenareo supports retailers in monetizing their in-store screen assets. The platform makes it possible to broadcast campaigns for partners, suppliers and other brands, thus turning screens into a source of additional revenue. An optimal time to market ensures that when a product arrives in stock or is promoted in the Commercial Action Plan (PAC), its display at the point of sale is instantaneous.
Showcase and outdoor communication: Retailers have only 3 seconds to catch a pedestrian's attention and make them want to enter their store. Cenareo helps to maximize the attractiveness rate with impactful digital windows that transform passers-by into customers. The space is being digitized and modernized, the screens are merging into a journey centered on emotion and enriching store concepts.
Flexible hardware integration: Cenareo offers autonomous players guaranteeing continuous distribution and never black screens. The solution is also natively integrated into certain ranges of Samsung (Tizen), Sharp/NEC and Philips screens thanks to the System on Chip (SoC), requiring no external hardware and thus reducing installation and maintenance costs. This partnership with Samsung, the retail leader in Europe, opens up very positive prospects for customers.
Performance measurement and ROI: Cenareo does not just distribute content, the solution measures the effectiveness of campaigns with indicators such as the attractiveness of the media, the freshness of the content and the contextualization of the campaigns. Regular follow-up with a dedicated Customer Success Manager helps retailers optimize their results. A Nielsen study conducted with 120 retailers observed that 80% of them saw their sales increase by 33% compared to those made with traditional printed posters.
Cenareo Video: In 2023, Cenareo bought EasyMovie, adding to its range of expertise the creation of video content. This complementary solution makes it easy to create personalized videos using templates, thus facilitating the industrial production of video content on a large scale for retailers.
Main characteristics of Cenareo
- Centralized and remote management of complex screen fleets
- Intuitive SaaS platform with quick start (30 minutes of training is enough)
- Intelligent programming with AI and automatic contextualization
- “Glocal” approach for national campaigns with local customizations
- Connection to the catalog of promotions and inventory management software
- Integration with Digital Workplace (Teams, Slack, Google Workspace)
- Standard feeds included (weather, traffic, social networks, ephemeris)
- Integrated System on Chip for Samsung Tizen, Sharp/NEC, Philips
- Autonomous players with supervision guaranteeing zero black screens
- Performance measurement with detailed indicators
- Responsive customer support and dedicated Customer Success Manager
- Retail media capabilities for screen monetization
- Cenareo Video for creating personalized video content
Ideal use cases
Cenareo is particularly aimed at retail chains managing fleets of medium and large screens (from 20 screens and over 200 screens), franchises and multi-site networks, concept stores and showrooms, shopping centers, and all retailers seeking to create a memorable customer experience while optimizing their operations.
Retail customers and references
Cenareo's retail references include Boulanger, Etam, Lagardère, PPG (Comptoir Seigneurie Gauthier), Fitness Park (1000 screens), Maison de la Presse, VandB, and many other retailers in all sectors.
Pricing
Cenareo offers a SaaS subscription model with personalized pricing according to the size of the screen fleet. The solution offers a 2 week free trial. The subscription includes access to the platform, updates, technical assistance and equipment supervision.
Customer reviews
Cenareo has a rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars on CapTERRA and was awarded the EcoVadis silver medal, a testament to its commitment to sustainable development. Customers particularly highlight the ease of use (“30 minutes of training is enough to get started with the platform”), the quality of support and the power of the solution to respond to complex retail issues.
2. ScreenCloud
Starting price: $20/month per screen Supported applications: 80+ Key features: Easy content creation and control, remote device management, granular user controls, integrations with many popular tools, secure device provisioning
ScreenCloud is an easy-to-use cloud digital signage platform designed to meet the complex needs of multi-site businesses. Its great scalability and ease of use allow it to offer a wide range of integrations to unify messages between stores. The platform's ecosystem of applications supports all functionalities, from live dashboards to social media feeds, making it easy to adapt content to different services or regions.
For retail digital signage, ScreenCloud offers several exceptional features, including AI-powered content creation, full integration with popular tools like Canva, and the ability to manage thousands of screens remotely with precise control. Secure provisioning makes it easy to deploy displays in franchises or branches, even for non-technical teams. With an emphasis on employee communication and live content updates, it's an ideal solution for retailers who want to engage with customers and teams from a centralized platform.
ScreenCloud is one of the few digital signage providers to offer its own proprietary hardware, with a choice between the affordable PIXI operating system or the more robust ScreenCloud operating system.
Ideal for: Multi-site retailers looking for a scalable cloud solution with numerous integrations.
3. BrightSign
Starting price: Hardware starting at $275, software subscription starting at $99/year Supported applications: 30+ Key features: 4K support, local/network content playback, interactive features, enterprise deployment tools
BrightSign is a trusted brand in the field of digital signage hardware. It offers a range of media players combined with its proprietary software for reliable and efficient playback. Popular in retail businesses where stability and video quality are paramount, BrightSign devices are designed to handle complex screen configurations, including multi-screen video walls and touch screens.
The use of their own CMS, BrightAuthor or BrightSignos, allows offline reading, remote programming, and real-time interactivity through sensors or RFID technology. For retailers, this means they can deploy eye-catching displays even in places where internet access is limited. It's a popular choice for businesses looking for optimal hardware reliability with flexible content options.
Ideal for: Retailers requiring maximum hardware reliability and complex screen configurations.
4. Samsung MagicInfo
Starting price: Free with Samsung screens, paid plans available for premium features Supported applications: Limited to the Samsung ecosystem Key features: Remote display management, interactive content with Samsung hardware, real-time monitoring, content scheduling
MagicInfo is Samsung's proprietary digital signage solution, integrated into its commercial screens. Ideal for retailers already equipped with Samsung hardware, it offers a seamless end-to-end experience, from screen deployment to content management. MagicInfo allows users to program content, monitor screen status, and analyze content performance.
Some retailers believe that software restrictions can hold back growth and scalability. Some reports also say that the CMS isn't the easiest to use, but if you're already using Samsung hardware, the choice is often easy.
For retail chains looking for an integrated hardware solution, MagicInfo simplifies operations by reducing compatibility issues and relying on powerful native tools. However, this solution is less versatile than platform-independent solutions and may not be suitable for mixed environments.
Ideal for: Retailers already equipped with Samsung screens looking for native integration.
5. Ablesign
Starting price: Free, with 1GB of storage, or $9.99 per month with 100GB of storage Supported applications: N/D Key features: Simple drag-and-drop editor, basic templates, offline reading, device grouping
Yes, it's completely free digital signage and, for many retailers, that may be its selling point. Ablesign is a lightweight and user-friendly signage platform, ideal for small retailers or pop-up shops. Its intuitive drag-and-drop interface allows store staff to quickly create and publish content without the need for a graphic designer or IT support.
Thanks to its free availability, Ablesign will be able to satisfy users with simple digital signage needs. Pricing is only applicable if users need more than 1GB of storage, for example for video content.
Admittedly, there is a lack of advanced integrations, but Ablesign covers the basics well, especially for budget-conscious stores looking to digitize without complicating their technological infrastructure. It is particularly suited to environments where simplicity, ease of use, and cost are the priorities.
Ideal for: Small retailers and pop-up shops with limited budgets.
6. TelemetryTV
Starting price: $8/month per screen Supported applications: 70+ Key features: Interactive terminals, playlists, screen zoning, user permissions, emergency alerts
For those looking for a digital signage platform that supports interactive kiosks, TelemetryTV could be the ideal solution. TelemetryTV is aimed at medium and large retailers with complex communication needs, supporting zoned screen configurations and solid user authorization structures.
For retail, TelemetryTV shines with its ability to display real-time product data, marketing campaigns, or POS integrations on multiple screens. Retailers can also automate content based on time of day or triggering events. With powerful integration and responsive support, this solution is ideal for those looking for depth and personalization.
Ideal for: Medium to large retailers with complex and interactive communication needs.
7. ViewNeo
Starting price: $21/month per screen Supported applications: 20+ Key features: Interactive touch support, IoT triggers, model generator, remote mobile app
One of ViewNeo's flagship features is the ability to use its smart sensors, including content detection by motion detection or facial recognition. ViewNeo is therefore the ideal choice for those looking for unique interactions with their digital signage.
Additionally, viewNeo's visual editor makes it easy for retail teams to create branded content and deliver updates across sites. Thanks to its tactile functionality, it is ideal for customer terminals or self-service areas.
Retailers can trigger content based on traffic, temperature, or other external data, helping to create intelligent and contextual experiences. ViewNeo is especially useful for stores looking to combine physical and digital experiences through interaction and automation.
Ideal for: Retailers looking to create interactive experiences based on IoT.
8. Juuno
Starting price: $5/month per screen Supported applications: 20+ Key features: Drag-and-drop interface, template marketplace, multi-site support, cloud-based control
Retailers looking for an affordable and versatile digital signage solution could be seduced by Juuno. Designed with simplicity and scalability in mind, Juuno is aimed at retailers who want quick commissioning at a lower cost. With a library of professional templates and a drag-and-drop editor, even non-designers can create stylish, branded displays. The platform is cloud-based, making it easy to update screens in real time from any device.
For retail, Juuno offers an affordable way to standardize messaging across stores. Although less feature-rich than some competitors, its ease of use, clear user interface, and robust core features make it a smart choice for growing brands or regional chains.
Ideal for: Small retailers and regional chains looking for an affordable and simple solution.
9. friendlyway
Starting price: Custom pricing Supported applications: 25+ Key features: Touch kiosks, visitor registration, self-service tools, Windows terminals
Focusing on interactive terminals and self-service technologies, friendlyway is the ideal solution for retailers who want to improve the fluidity of their customer exchanges and lighten their staff. This cloud-based digital signage software platform supports check-in kiosks, touch orientation, product research, and queue management, all on a secure Windows infrastructure.
High-traffic businesses, such as malls, electronics stores, or department stores, will benefit from FriendlyWay's automation features. The platform also integrates with access control, making it ideal for back office teams or employees. Although not a traditional display CMS, friendlyway stands out for its versatility and its ability to turn digital screens into smart service points.
Ideal for: High-traffic businesses requiring self-service solutions.
What is the best digital signage tool for retail?
As you can see from this list, digital signage is offered in a wide range of packages, ranging from free and simple packages to complete solutions with integrated hardware. Choosing the best digital signage for your retail business will of course depend on your business.
Ideal for multi-site retail brands and performance: Cenareo. Great for cloud features and ease of use: ScreenCloud. Ideal for interactive and touch screens: TelemetryTV. Great for motion-based interactivity: ViewNeo. Ideal for small budgets: Juuno.
For retailers looking for a complete solution combining intelligent programming, a “glocal” approach to manage national campaigns and local customizations, retail media and performance measurement, Cenareo stands out as an excellent choice. With more than 350 customers in 32 countries, unique AI technology for the automatic contextualization of messages, and personalized support with a dedicated Customer Success Manager, Cenareo offers everything modern retailers need to transform their screens into real growth drivers.
