Retail’s newfound capacity for transparency through data and analytics will not just be the result of technological deployments, but critical to continued progress. It will help to strengthen relationships between assistants and leaders as well as between shoppers and the brands they patronise, cultivating trust, loyalty and excitement about how new tools can improve experiences for all.

Tony D’Onofrio, President

Generation Z is focused on ‘right-now’ experiences, which means rapid restocking, tailored subscriptions and customised rewards are a must. This group’s rising buying power will drive retailers to adapt quickly, optimise processes and reduce friction wherever it arises.

With an emphasis on inventory precision and omnichannel access no longer optional, investments in Machine Learning, RFID and automation solutions will rise sharply, as will new, creative ways to leverage these tools in order to keep up with new shoppers’ changing expectations.

Myron Burke, Solutions Management Leader

Traditional, objective measures such as people counts have demonstrated real value for many years, but they will increasingly be used alongside much more nuanced and subjective metrics that paint a clearer picture of operations. We’re on our way to this world already, but as more retailers implement advanced analytics and monitor new areas of their stores and supply chains, we’ll begin to identify connections and correlations that were previously hidden. We could be on the precipice of a total redefinition of retail strategies.

Nick Pompa, General Manager, ShopperTrak Analytic

Despite continued interest in in-store visits, there is one area in which stores still struggle to compete: always-on operations. In the next decade, I believe we’ll see that change though, as retailers find ways to improve omnichannel capabilities and make use of their existing footprints to compete on this playing field too.

Robert Miller, North America Commercial Leader

APAC is so diverse, it’s truly a tale of two cities. While some markets are still navigating inflation, others – like China – are seeing deflation and countries such as India, Australia and parts of Southeast Asia are experiencing disinflation. Despite these varied economic conditions, the hunger for new and innovative technology that can help to deliver more personalised and seamless shopping experiences is at an all-time high throughout the region, and I anticipate that adoption will increase in 2026 and beyond.

Markets such as China are quick to embrace emerging tech, particularly as these solutions become more affordable and faster to implement. With financial landscapes evolving and solution providers streamlining their supply chains, retailers across APAC have a unique opportunity to reimagine the customer journey – blending the strengths of brick-and-mortar with digital innovation to create richer, more accessible omnichannel experiences.

Daren Ng, APAC Vice President and General Manager

Robust, integrated retail media relationships will be a key differentiator for brands and retailers. Retailers will increasingly harness their first-party data to provide targeted advertising solutions, optimising the shopping journey both online and in-store. In turn, brands will prioritise relationships with retailers that prove their prowess in this area.

We’ll see the role of Retail Media Networks evolve from a strategic advertising channel and revenue-driver into strong, lasting strategic partnerships that drive growth, improve customer loyalty and redefine how customers, brands and retail businesses interact.

Christa Anz, Global Marketing Leader

Around the world, we’re seeing anti-social behaviour grow and financial constraints intensify, which is driving increased organised retail crime. There has long been an awareness that retailers need to move from a reactive stance to a proactive one if they are to curb ORC activity, but putting it into practice has been out of reach until quite recently.

Data is empowering retailers to find out as much about bad actors as criminals know about their targets, which will enable proactive shrink mitigation and data-led loss prevention strategies to come into their own.

Sean Lee, Regional Vice President and General Manager EMEA

Sustainability and corporate governance initiatives, as we know them, are going to fade away in the coming years – not because responsible retail won’t be important, but because it will be integrated into overall retail strategies. This evolution is happening as consumers pay closer attention to how and where products are made, and what goes into them. They expect real transparency and are pushing brands to take genuine steps towards environmental responsibility.

This shift is driven by two main factors. First are the consumers themselves, who see through superficial campaigns and are willing to spend more in order to support real impact. Second is the growing access to data, which shows that lasting change comes from integrating sustainability across all operations, not from isolated efforts.

Sergio Thome, LATAM General Manager and Commercial Leader