Retail is entering a transformative era, as brick-and-mortar locations evolve from traditional points of sale into versatile environments that fuel commerce, logistics, data intelligence, and experiential engagement. This new global benchmark report reveals how top retailers are reengineering physical retail through modular design, real-time analytics, and sustainability-driven operations.
Explore the Strategies Powering the Next Generation of Retail:
Redefining the Store as a Multifunctional Hub:
Industry leaders like Walmart and MediaMarktSaturn are converting stores into integrated ecosystems that span fulfillment, media monetization, and customer experience. This transformation is turning stores into operational engines—not just for selling, but for servicing, shipping, and storytelling.
Tapping into Alternative Revenue Models:
Retailers are breaking from traditional sales-only metrics, unlocking new value via paid memberships, in-store workshops, repair services, and resale programs. Natura’s flagship stores in Brazil, for example, host community events that drive brand affinity and recurring engagement.
Engineering for Scalability and Speed:
Retail innovation demands agile infrastructure. Companies are prioritizing modular technology stacks, flexible point-of-sale systems, and scalable formats—like Macy’s small-footprint “Bloomies”—to support rapid testing and efficient expansion.
Bridging the Personalization Divide:
Only 9% of retailers have successfully linked online and in-store personalization. Many struggle with fragmented data and underpowered analytics. Retailers are now rethinking store tech architecture to enable real-time insights and tailored experiences across channels.
Accelerating Innovation Through Test-and-Learn Models:
Retailers want to experiment faster, but face challenges around cost, integration, and decision cycles. The gap between ambition and execution is stark: while 73% expect tech upgrades to speed up innovation, only a fraction have adopted A/B testing tools or agile platforms in-store.
Modernizing Store Operations with Intelligence:
New operational models combine mobile tech, AI, and edge computing to improve inventory accuracy, reduce labor costs, and enhance security. Yet only 7% of retailers consider their data protection frameworks to be top-tier—highlighting the need for more resilient systems.
Embedding Sustainability into Store Design:
Retailers are transitioning from isolated green efforts to comprehensive sustainability strategies. Initiatives include IoT-enabled energy management, modular hardware that extends product life, and circular economy programs focused on reuse and repair. Still, just 6% say their store technology is fully aligned with their sustainability goals.
Geared Up to Shape the Future of Retail?
The next generation of retail will be built on flexibility, data fluency, and eco-conscious design. Download the full report to uncover how forward-thinking retailers are building intelligent, adaptive store networks that meet today’s demands and tomorrow’s expectations.
