Executive summary
Grupo Roble, a Central America–based shopping mall operator, needed a reliable way to measure visitor traffic across multiple properties with complex, multi-entrance layouts. After evaluating several providers, they selected SMS Storetraffic’s people counting solution to ensure accurate, scalable tracking and to support custom reporting requirements. The system was deployed across multiple malls with coordinated installation and tailored software integration. As a result, Grupo Roble gained consistent, usable traffic data to support commercial and operational decisions across its portfolio.
Key results
- Deployed people counting across multiple mall locations with complex, multi-entrance configurations
- Standardized traffic measurement across properties using a single reporting system
- Enabled customized reporting aligned with internal commercial and operational needs
- Improved data usability for ongoing decision-making across mall operations
- Achieved full system rollout in coordination with existing infrastructure projects
Customer profile
Organization: Grupo Roble
Industry: Shopping mall operator
Region: Central America (El Salvador and broader region)
Deployment scope: Multiple malls with numerous entrances
Use case: Visitor traffic measurement, reporting, and operational analysis
What challenge did the customer face?
Grupo Roble needed an accurate and scalable way to measure visitor traffic across multiple shopping malls with complex entrance configurations.
As an operator of large retail properties, they required consistent data across locations to understand foot traffic patterns, support tenant decisions, and manage operations. Each mall included multiple entrances, some with unique physical constraints, which made standardization difficult.
Why was the previous method insufficient?
Existing options did not provide enough clarity, flexibility, or confidence to meet Grupo Roble’s operational and reporting requirements.
Although they had evaluated other providers, they remained uncertain about solution accuracy, suitability for complex entrances, and the ability to support their specific reporting expectations. Off-the-shelf reporting limitations were a key concern.
What did SMS Storetraffic implement?
SMS Storetraffic implemented a tailored people counting solution designed for multi-entrance shopping mall environments, combined with customized reporting capabilities.
The team conducted a detailed assessment of each entrance using on-site photos to determine the appropriate counting technology and placement. On the software side, SMS Storetraffic worked with Grupo Roble to incorporate their specific reporting requirements directly into the platform, rather than restricting them to standard dashboards.
How was the rollout handled?
The rollout was coordinated with Grupo Roble’s existing infrastructure work and executed in collaboration with a global installation partner.
Because Grupo Roble was already running a cabling project across their malls, SMS Storetraffic provided precise mounting specifications and installation guidelines to align with that timeline. Installation was completed with support from WJ Global, ensuring consistency across locations.
Throughout the process, SMS Storetraffic maintained close communication with the customer to validate requirements, confirm technical constraints, and ensure proper deployment.
What changed after deployment?
After deployment, Grupo Roble gained consistent, actionable traffic data across multiple malls, supported by reporting tailored to their internal processes.
The system is now fully operational and monitored by the SMS Storetraffic support team. The customer reports that the data has become a valuable input for their business, helping them better understand visitor patterns and support commercial decision-making.
“Working with SMS has been a pleasure. The process was made easy through their service, and the information has proven to be very valuable. We highly recommend traffic counters and the analysis provided by SMS.”
— Fiorella Bettaglio Boet, Commercial Manager, Grupo Roble – El Salvador
What can similar retailers learn from this?
Multi-location retail operators benefit from standardizing traffic measurement early, especially when dealing with complex physical layouts and varied reporting needs.
This case shows that:
- Entrance complexity requires careful hardware selection and validation
- Reporting flexibility is as important as counting accuracy
- Coordinating deployment with existing infrastructure projects reduces friction
- Centralized data enables more consistent decision-making across locations
Why this matters for similar retailers
Retail groups operating multiple locations often struggle to compare performance without consistent traffic data. Implementing a unified people counting system—paired with reporting that matches internal workflows—helps turn raw visitor counts into usable business intelligence across the entire portfolio.
