Interface Systems, a pioneering managed service provider delivering remote video monitoring, commercial security systems, business intelligence, and network to multi-location enterprises, outlined the security and technology trends expected to define retail, restaurant, and commercial business safety in 2026.
The company anticipates an increased shift toward proactive, exterior-focused measures, AI-driven analytics for operational efficiency, broader adoption of human oversight for AI, and heightened regulatory standards.
Proactive deterrence will lead security strategy
Commercial establishments such as retail and restaurant chains, car washes, automotive service centres, and other consumer-facing businesses are increasingly focused on securing their exteriors through preventive measures that detect and neutralise threats before they escalate.
Advanced video analytics will be central to combating loitering, vandalism, and break-ins in real-time. By leveraging AI-driven detection in conjunction with remote video monitoring, businesses can stop crime before it happens and minimise the costs associated with damage and merchandise or equipment loss.
Human oversight will enhance AI-enabled security
AI-enabled cameras are now highly accurate in detection and classification, continually improving as they learn from data. However, the most resilient security strategies acknowledge that bad actors are also constantly evolving. Hence, businesses are likely to incorporate Security Operations Centre (SOC) services to add a critical "human-in-the-loop."
This hybrid model ensures expert analysts are available to handle exceptions, investigate persistent threats, and provide the oversight needed for a truly robust security posture.
Regulatory mandates will drive security upgrades
Heightened scrutiny is expected in 2026 as both insurance providers and legislators tighten physical security standards. Retailers failing to demonstrate robust preventive measures face significant financial risks, including potential policy cancellations. For instance, New York jewellers are increasingly at risk of losing insurance coverage if they cannot certify that they have protections against specific high-tech threats, such as cell jamming.
Simultaneously, legal mandates are expanding; the New York Retail Worker Safety Act (Senate Bill S.8358-B) now requires retailers to adopt comprehensive violence prevention programs and, for larger employers, install silent response buttons. Consequently, physical security companies must pivot to developing proactive solutions that meet these new regulatory baselines and satisfy insurers' stringent risk requirements.
Video analytics will see widespread adoption
Beyond safety, the use of video analytics to improve operational performance is expected to expand. Businesses will more widely adopt applications to monitor the speed of service, drive-thru throughput, food-handling compliance, store layout gaps, checkout wait times, and risk management scenarios such as slip-and-fall detection. These tools will help retailers and restaurants streamline operations, enhance guest experiences, and maintain a competitive edge.
“Looking ahead to 2026, businesses that combine proactive deterrence, AI-driven video analytics, and expert human oversight will be best positioned to stay ahead of evolving threats,” said Sean Foley, Chief Revenue Officer at Interface Systems. “To ensure long-term success in retail and restaurant security, our focus remains on developing solutions that prevent crime, enhance efficiency, and maintain compliance.”