Huawei and electronic shelf label (ESL) specialist Solum have introduced a “Shop-in-Shop Smart Converged Network Solution” designed to simplify digital infrastructure deployments in retail environments.
Smart Retail Networks: Huawei and Solum Unveil Shop-in-Shop Platform
At MWC Barcelona 2026, Huawei and Solum unveiled a Shop-in-Shop (SiS) Smart Converged Network Solution to help retailers deploy digital infrastructure quickly across distributed store environments, including malls, airports, and other large commercial venues.
The platform integrates networking infrastructure with electronic shelf label (ESL) technology to create a unified system that supports wireless connectivity, digital signage, and real-time pricing updates within a single architecture.
The solution builds on earlier collaboration between the two companies around IoT access point convergence technology. In the new setup, Solum’s Newton ESL system integrates with Huawei networking hardware to deliver plug-and-play connectivity for shop-in-shop environments such as branded retail corners, pop-up stores, and specialty outlets inside larger venues.
A unified gateway supports LTE, Wi-Fi, and ESL connectivity, eliminating the need for dedicated access points for shelf-label systems. This reduces hardware complexity while maintaining a secure and independent network environment for each retail location.
According to Huawei and Solum, the architecture can lower the total cost of ownership by up to 55%, with potential savings of roughly one-third for larger retail installations.
The companies position the system as part of a broader shift toward connected retail infrastructure, where networking, IoT devices, and digital displays operate on a shared platform.
Huawei has been expanding its smart retail portfolio in recent years, focusing on solutions that combine connectivity, AI capabilities, and device integration to digitize store operations and improve the in-store experience.
