Hanshow, a global frontrunner in electronic shelf labels (ESLs) and digital retail innovations, has introduced NexShelf, its next-generation intelligent shelving solution, at NRF 2026. NexShelf is designed to turn store shelves into real-time data hubs, forming the backbone of Hanshow’s Store Digital Twin initiative and giving retailers and brands unprecedented insight, precision, and control at the critical point of purchase.
For decades, the retail shelf has been the ultimate “moment of truth” for sales, yet it remains one of the least digitized areas in stores. NexShelf addresses this challenge by combining highly accurate positioning, AI-powered analytics, and an open, hybrid connectivity framework—transforming every shelf into a measurable, interactive digital asset.
Shelves as the Foundation of the Store Digital Twin
A truly effective digital twin relies on real-time reflections of in-store conditions. NexShelf delivers the essential data to make this possible.
At its core, NexShelf offers store-wide product location intelligence at centimeter-level accuracy, powered by Hanshow’s Nebular Ultra ESLs and N5 AI cameras. Each shelf and product acts as a precise spatial reference, allowing the digital twin to replicate real-world shelf conditions with over 95% accuracy.
This real-time positioning enables retailers to instantly spot misplaced or missing products, ensure planogram compliance, and detect out-of-stock situations—without manual intervention or SKU-level AI retraining.
Scalable, Open Connectivity
NexShelf features a dual-mode communication system, combining Hanshow’s proprietary low-power HiLPC protocol with Bluetooth support and open integration options. This ensures reliability in crowded retail environments while remaining flexible for long-term integration with third-party systems, cloud platforms, and future in-store technologies.
By reducing energy use and infrastructure demands, NexShelf delivers one of the lowest total costs of ownership (TCO) for large-scale shelf digitalization, making advanced shelf intelligence economically feasible across entire store networks.
Turning Shelf Data into Actionable Insights
NexShelf goes beyond monitoring to provide AI-driven insights, converting shelf data into immediate operational actions. Retailers can shift from delayed reporting to real-time decision-making, enhancing labor efficiency, minimizing lost sales, and optimizing pricing and promotions more effectively.
Additionally, NexShelf supports 3D shelf visualization and digital twin rendering, allowing store teams, headquarters, and brand partners to monitor shelf execution in real time. This visual layer bridges physical shelves and digital operations, creating a shared understanding of performance across all stakeholders.
Laying the Groundwork for the Future of Retail
“NexShelf is more than an intelligent shelf—it is the data foundation of the Store Digital Twin,” said Shiguo Hou, CEO of Hanshow. “By making shelf conditions visible, measurable, and actionable, we help retailers and brands move from assumptions to data-driven decisions, and from reactive responses to proactive strategies.”
As the key data layer of Hanshow’s Store Digital Twin ecosystem, NexShelf links intelligent in-store devices with cloud-based SaaS solutions. Looking ahead, it will integrate with other in-store technologies such as smart carts and automation systems, creating a scalable platform for operational innovation, retail media, and data-driven growth.
For decades, the retail shelf has been the ultimate “moment of truth” for sales, yet it remains one of the least digitized areas in stores. NexShelf addresses this challenge by combining highly accurate positioning, AI-powered analytics, and an open, hybrid connectivity framework—transforming every shelf into a measurable, interactive digital asset.
Shelves as the Foundation of the Store Digital Twin
A truly effective digital twin relies on real-time reflections of in-store conditions. NexShelf delivers the essential data to make this possible.
At its core, NexShelf offers store-wide product location intelligence at centimeter-level accuracy, powered by Hanshow’s Nebular Ultra ESLs and N5 AI cameras. Each shelf and product acts as a precise spatial reference, allowing the digital twin to replicate real-world shelf conditions with over 95% accuracy.
This real-time positioning enables retailers to instantly spot misplaced or missing products, ensure planogram compliance, and detect out-of-stock situations—without manual intervention or SKU-level AI retraining.
Scalable, Open Connectivity
NexShelf features a dual-mode communication system, combining Hanshow’s proprietary low-power HiLPC protocol with Bluetooth support and open integration options. This ensures reliability in crowded retail environments while remaining flexible for long-term integration with third-party systems, cloud platforms, and future in-store technologies.
By reducing energy use and infrastructure demands, NexShelf delivers one of the lowest total costs of ownership (TCO) for large-scale shelf digitalization, making advanced shelf intelligence economically feasible across entire store networks.
Turning Shelf Data into Actionable Insights
NexShelf goes beyond monitoring to provide AI-driven insights, converting shelf data into immediate operational actions. Retailers can shift from delayed reporting to real-time decision-making, enhancing labor efficiency, minimizing lost sales, and optimizing pricing and promotions more effectively.
Additionally, NexShelf supports 3D shelf visualization and digital twin rendering, allowing store teams, headquarters, and brand partners to monitor shelf execution in real time. This visual layer bridges physical shelves and digital operations, creating a shared understanding of performance across all stakeholders.
Laying the Groundwork for the Future of Retail
“NexShelf is more than an intelligent shelf—it is the data foundation of the Store Digital Twin,” said Shiguo Hou, CEO of Hanshow. “By making shelf conditions visible, measurable, and actionable, we help retailers and brands move from assumptions to data-driven decisions, and from reactive responses to proactive strategies.”
As the key data layer of Hanshow’s Store Digital Twin ecosystem, NexShelf links intelligent in-store devices with cloud-based SaaS solutions. Looking ahead, it will integrate with other in-store technologies such as smart carts and automation systems, creating a scalable platform for operational innovation, retail media, and data-driven growth.