x-hoppers Unifies Retail Comms, Moving Beyond the Headset

COLUMBUS, OH – January 08, 2026 – In a significant move to redefine in-store collaboration, retail technology firm x-hoppers has launched a new mobile application, extending its AI-powered communication platform beyond the traditional confines of the wireless headset. The app signals a strategic evolution for the Wildix-owned company, transforming its solution into a device-agnostic, unified communications network designed to connect every level of a retail organization, from the shop floor to the corporate office.

This launch moves x-hoppers into a more competitive and expansive market, challenging established players like Zebra Technologies and Microsoft Teams for Frontline Workers. While competitors offer broad enterprise solutions, x-hoppers is doubling down on a purpose-built retail strategy, integrating agentic AI and flexible hardware options into a single, cohesive ecosystem.

From Headsets to a Unified Communications Network

The introduction of the mobile app marks a pivotal shift from a hardware-centric product to a comprehensive, software-first platform. Previously known for its wireless DECT headsets that facilitate instant, hands-free communication for frontline associates, x-hoppers now allows retailers to create a hybrid communication environment. Teams can use headsets where instant voice is critical, mobile devices for roles requiring flexibility and visual data, or a combination of both operating seamlessly on the same network.

“Retail teams don’t work from one device and neither should their communication,” said Alberto Benigno, CRO at x-hoppers, in a recent announcement. “This launch reinforces our software-first approach and gives retailers the freedom to connect teams in the way that actually matches how work happens.”

This strategy directly addresses a fragmented retail tech landscape, where communication often occurs across disconnected systems. The market for such integrated platforms is growing rapidly, with projections suggesting the retail communication and operations platform space will reach over $8.3 billion by 2033. By creating a single network for headsets, handheld scanners, smartphones, and tablets, x-hoppers aims to eliminate communication silos and provide a single source of truth for store operations.

Empowering a Connected Retail Workforce

Beyond the technology, the new mobile app is fundamentally about empowering people. It directly addresses the challenge of keeping leadership connected to the real-time pulse of the store without being physically tethered to the floor. Store managers, regional directors, and back-office staff can now use their smartphones or tablets to participate in live conversations, monitor store activity through real-time AI transcriptions, and provide guidance from anywhere.

Early adopters are already reporting significant impacts on leadership effectiveness. “The mobile app has been a game changer for our leadership team,” stated Eric Hassett, president of Hassett Ace Hardware. “It allows our leaders to stay connected to live store conversations, view AI transcriptions in real-time and step in from anywhere, without needing to wear a headset. That visibility has fundamentally changed how we stay engaged with frontline teams.”

This sentiment is echoed by other retailers. Jon Newson, Head of Information Technology at UK-based Heron Foods, called the app a “real breakthrough for our management teams,” emphasizing the ability to “jump in instantly, all from our phones.” This capability not only improves managerial oversight but also enhances team collaboration, enabling faster decision-making and problem-solving. For frontline associates, it means quicker access to managerial support, product information, and security assistance, ultimately improving both employee confidence and customer service.

The BYOD Dilemma: Balancing Cost, Security, and Strategy

The app introduces Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) flexibility, a compelling proposition for the retail sector, which often contends with high employee turnover, seasonal staffing, and diverse job roles. By allowing staff to use their personal smartphones, retailers can significantly reduce hardware expenditure and streamline the onboarding process for temporary or part-time employees. This approach extends the communication network to warehouse staff, fulfillment teams, and other roles where a dedicated headset may be impractical.

However, the adoption of BYOD presents critical challenges for IT departments, primarily concerning data security and device management. In a retail environment, protecting customer data, payment information, and internal communications is paramount. IT leaders evaluating the x-hoppers app will be scrutinizing its security architecture. While the company states that data is encrypted in transit and not shared with third parties, a robust BYOD strategy typically requires more, including containerization to separate corporate and personal data, integration with Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions, and clear policies for remote data wiping on lost or stolen devices.

The success of this model will depend on x-hoppers’ ability to provide enterprise-grade security controls that give retailers the confidence to deploy it at scale. It represents a classic trade-off between operational flexibility, cost savings, and the rigorous security posture required in modern retail.

AI as the Engine for Modern Retail Operations

At the core of the x-hoppers platform is a sophisticated AI engine designed to drive operational efficiency and improve store performance. This aligns with a massive industry trend; Gartner predicts global spending on AI will exceed $2 trillion in 2026, and 91% of retail IT leaders are prioritizing its implementation. The mobile app serves as a new window into these AI capabilities.

Users can access real-time AI-powered transcriptions of team conversations, allowing managers to quickly catch up on activity. An embedded agentic AI voice bot can answer product questions or procedural queries, effectively acting as a digital coach for new employees and saving over three hours per employee per day, according to the company. Perhaps most impactful is the platform’s security function, AIVA (AI Video Assistant), which uses gesture recognition to detect potential theft and automatically sends alerts to staff headsets and mobile devices.

These AI tools are delivering measurable returns. Case studies from early clients show impressive results, including a reported 60% reduction in shrinkage. Tenby Stores Limited, a small enterprise, credited the system with reducing its annual losses by approximately £26,000. Other clients have reported a 35% increase in sales attributed to faster, more informed customer service enabled by the connected platform. These tangible outcomes demonstrate that AI, when properly integrated into communication workflows, is moving beyond a buzzword to become a critical tool for profitability and operational excellence.

Backed by a recent strategic investment from Livonia Partners to accelerate innovation, Wildix is positioning x-hoppers as a future-proof solution for the complex challenges of modern retail. The company will be showcasing the fully integrated platform, including the new mobile app, at the NRF 2026 conference in New York City.