Abstract

This IDC study explores how different drivers are collectively impacting technology in the retail industry and offers guidance on actions to consider. Retail organizations are hard pressed in the new digital era to respond to a wide range of political, economic, social, cultural, technological, legal, and experiential forces. These forces alongside ever-expanding data assets, increasing market pressures, sweeping regulations, and changes in the global populace and in consumer expectations for experiential retail call for the industry to act in innovative ways that meet rising expectations, improve outcomes, and deliver value.

"The 2020 worldwide retail industry predictions offer a glimpse into the future of the retail industry as it is being transformed in the new digital era," says Leslie Hand, vice president, IDC Retail Insights. "The future belongs to visionary leaders and forward-thinking organizations that are able to break the shackles of legacy systems and accelerate mastering digital-first strategies. The thrivers will be those that champion data-driven, experiential, and personalized approaches to experiential retail business and IT. The strongest businesses will be truly customer driven, with big shifts in internal culture and in collaborative/innovative partner relationships."

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