Abstract

The convergence of edge computing and fifth-generation wireless networks represents a transformative paradigm shift in retail technology, fundamentally revolutionizing how retailers operate, engage customers, and optimize business processes. This article examines the comprehensive integration of Multi-Access Edge Computing (MEC) infrastructure with 5G network slicing capabilities to create intelligent retail environments that deliver unprecedented levels of real-time data processing, customer personalization, and operational efficiency. Edge computing addresses critical latency challenges through distributed fog computing architectures and cloudlet deployments, enabling sub-millisecond responses for personalized recommendations, inventory management, and fraud detection systems. The synergy with 5G networks provides ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC), enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), and massive machine-type communication (mMTC) capabilities essential for supporting dense IoT deployments, augmented reality applications, and computer vision systems. Security considerations encompass edge-specific vulnerabilities, data privacy preservation through federated learning approaches, and 5G security protocols, including network authentication frameworks. The technological foundation enables sophisticated artificial intelligence algorithms deployed through containerized edge orchestration platforms to analyze customer behavior patterns, predict purchasing trends, and optimize store operations instantaneously while maintaining data sovereignty. Interoperability challenges are addressed through standardized frameworks, including ETSI MEC specifications and O-RAN architectures. Total cost of ownership analysis reveals significant long-term benefits despite initial deployment complexities. Customer experience enhancement occurs through edge-optimized AI models utilizing quantization techniques for real-time personalization systems that deliver targeted recommendations, dynamic pricing, and immersive augmented reality shopping experiences with consideration for current AR/VR adoption limitations and 5G coverage constraints.

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