Technology
Store remains top growth channel yet tech not supporting experience consumers crave
May 19, 2025
Fashion and apparel stores lead when it comes to technology adoptions but over half, 62%, acknowledge customers are demanding different store experiences than what retailers can provide.
That's a top finding from a Retail Systems Research study that also revealed 85% of retailers cite the store as the prime growth channel, and 65% admit current technology isn't enabling the customer experience expected by shoppers.
The research surveyed retail executives and store managers in late 2024 through January 2025 to understand opportunities, threats, gaps and technology spending priorities, as retailers aspire to meet shopper expectations, according to a press release.
A top pain point for retailers is point of sale. The study revealed retailers are struggling to execute the most basic functions for store operations at a time when retailers are increasingly leaning into POS to drive more innovative and inspired in-store engagement models, according to the release.
More than a third of retailers, 34%, report consumer adoption of new technology is moving so fast they cannot keep up and more than half, 54%, said technology is changing too often and is a top inhibitor to taking advantage of opportunities to improve the store.
"Many retailers have yet to crack the code on creating relevant and inspired in-store shopping experiences and time is running out," Joe Corbin, Jumpmind president and CEO, said in the release. "As inflation continues to impact consumer spending, it's absolutely critical for retailers for create compelling and seamless in-store experiences that deliver value and differentiation and empower both associates and shoppers."
