Abstract

This IDC Perspective predicts five ways that grocery retailers will accelerate their digital transformation strategies to survive and thrive in rapidly shifting social and economic conditions. Already a narrow margin business, grocery retail has seen margins shrink further due to supply chain challenges, the cost of fulfillment for ecommerce orders, and inefficiencies due to staff shortages. Retailers are looking hard at every element of their business. Macroeconomic influences such as war, inflation, and climate emergencies now raise questions about how retailers will manage to stay ahead. The good news is low interest rates make it more appealing for companies to invest in technology solutions that will help them surf the waves of volatility.

"A seismic shift is coming. Not yet, but soon, it will feel like the flip of switch, and retailers need to be prepared. If brands have not paved the way with connectivity and edge infrastructure, with AI services, with fulfillment channels, and with payment choice — they won't be able to move quickly enough and customers will leave them behind," says Leslie Hand, GVP, IDC Retail and Financial Insights.

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