Retail technology Trends & Statistics

EMARKETER offers market research, trends and statistics for a variety of topics and industries. Here you will find a collection of reports, articles and other resources for Retail technology

What Every Retailer Can Learn from the Value Apparel Shopper with Rainbow Apparel | Reimagining Retail

Audio
Jun 10, 2026

On today’s podcast episode, we discuss how technology has changed the way Rainbow's customers research, compare, and ultimately make purchasing decisions; what the retailer has learned about serving customers that higher-end, luxury, and mainstream retailers could benefit from; and why "every AI experiment designed to replace a person failed, while every experiment designed to make a talented person better succeeded." Tune in to hear the discussion featuring Vice President of Content and host Suzy Davidkhanian, Principal Analyst Zak Stambor, and David Cost, Chief Digital Officer at Rainbow Apparel.

From Search to Sofa: Rethinking Discovery with Furniture.com | Reimagining Retail

Audio
May 13, 2026

- On today’s podcast episode, we discuss what makes buying furniture so complex from a customer perspective, where in today’s shopping journey people get stuck the most, and which technologies are actually driving the category forward. Listen to the discussion featuring Vice President of Content and host Suzy Davidkhanian, Principal Analyst Yory Wurmser, and Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer at Furniture.com, Daniel Bennett.

What Advertisers Actually Need From Commerce Media Measurement | Behind the Numbers Special Edition Podcast

Audio
Apr 07, 2026

On this episode, we examine the challenges and best practices for measuring impact of commerce media advertising. We discuss discuss moving beyond platform-reported metrics, incrementality testing frameworks, clean room strategies, cross-network measurement and building internal capabilities. Arielle Feger, EMARKETER’s Senior Analyst, Media Content hosts Jack Kneuper, Senior Digital Performance Marketing Manager at Perdue Farms and Matt Barresi, President of Digital Commerce and Capabilities at Kimberly-Clark.

Beyond Sponsored Products: What Offsite Means for the Media Plan | Behind the Numbers Special Edition Podcast

Audio
Apr 04, 2026

On this episode, we explore how leading brands are implementing successful offsite strategies. Focuses include data partnerships and clean rooms, audience targeting off-platform, measuring offsite incrementality, and balancing scale with signal quality. EMARKETER Senior Analyst, Minda Smiley hosts Jason O’Toole, Head of Connected Commerce & Media at Gildan and Ryan Verklin, Paid Media & Retail Media Senior Lead at Bayer.

Screens, Shelves, and Signals: Retail Media's In-Store Opportunity | Behind the Numbers Special Edition Podcast

Audio
Apr 02, 2026

In this episode, we discuss digital screens and audio, connecting in-store exposure to purchase, attribution challenges, retailer infrastructure investments, and shopper experience considerations. EMARKETER Vice President & Principal Analyst, Sarah Marzano hosts Gabi Viljoen, Vice President & Head of eCommerce at Nestlé Health Science and Austin Leonard, Vice President and General Manager of DG Media Network.

The In-Store Unlock: Retail Media's Next Stage | Behind the Numbers Special Edition

Audio
Mar 31, 2026

In today's podcast episode, EMARKETER Vice President & Principal Analyst, Sarah Marzano, examines what's holding in-store back, what it will take to overcome these constraints, and where the most meaningful opportunities lie as retailers work to scale the next stage of retail media.

FAQ on retail technology: AI's role in reshaping commerce operations and customer experience

Article
Mar 02, 2026

While categories like payments, back-end infrastructure, and in-store systems remain relevant, AI has emerged as a defining force in retail tech for 2026.

Online grocery spending hits its highest share since May 2020

Article
Jan 23, 2026

Higher frequency and broader usage suggest it is becoming a default behavior rather than a situational option.

How the grocery shopper of the future will buy, browse, and save

Article
Nov 03, 2025

Tomorrow’s grocery shoppers will expect AI tools that anticipate their needs, faster checkouts, and consistent pricing across channels. In this new era, convenience and technology will shape behavior, but value and trust will remain the deciding factors.

‘Instant Checkout’: How ChatGPT Could Redefine Online Shopping Before Amazon and Google Strike Back | Reimagining Retail

Audio
Oct 15, 2025

On today’s podcast episode, we discuss how much of a splash ChatGPT’s new ‘Instant Checkout’ is likely to make, what kinds of things people are most likely to use it to buy, and if Amazon and Google can offer compelling alternatives. Join Senior Director of Podcasts and guest host, Marcus Johnson, and Senior Analysts, Carina Lamb (formerly Perkins) and Zak Stambor.

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Albertsons bets on private labels, personalization, and perks to win on value

Albertsons bets on private labels, personalization, and perks to win on value

Article
Oct 14, 2025

Albertsons’ Q3 results reflected shoppers’ growing focus on value, with customers trading down to private labels, smaller packages, and coupons. The company beat top- and bottom-line expectations and raised its full-year outlook, crediting its multi-pronged value strategy that includes expanded store brands, smarter loyalty rewards, and improved app tools. CEO Susan Morris emphasized efforts to enhance ecommerce efficiency and personalization, while Albertsons announced $750 million in additional share buybacks. As consumers tighten budgets, the retailer’s emphasis on affordability, convenience, and digital engagement positions it well for steady growth and stronger customer loyalty.

Maximizing ROI in the aisle: Sensory displays drive in-store shopping

Article
Jun 11, 2025

With economic uncertainty influencing how people shop, marketers and retailers have a prime opportunity to create in-store value. Today’s shoppers seek more than products—they want a shopping experience that delivers immediacy, control, and sensory engagement. Here’s what retailers need to know about current consumer behavior in physical aisles.

Walgreens’ ill-fated Cooler Screens partnership reveals in-store retail media challenges

Walgreens’ ill-fated Cooler Screens partnership reveals in-store retail media challenges

Article
Jan 16, 2025

The battle between Walgreens and Cooler Screens underscores in-store retail media challenges: Glitchy technology, measurement challenges, and outdated store infrastructure doomed the partnership.

The Retail Media Opportunity

The Retail Media Opportunity

Report
Sep 04, 2024

Ad spending on retail media will increase by more than $75 billion by 2028. To take advantage of this opportunity, retailers must understand advertisers' top priorities and be prepared to address their challenges.

The Ecommerce Delivery Opportunity

The Ecommerce Delivery Opportunity

Report
May 23, 2024

Delivery is a critical component of ecommerce fulfillment, but accessing this opportunity requires brands and retailers to navigate a complex set of options and find ways to meet rising consumer expectations.

Data Drop: 5 Charts on Digital Dining Habits

Data Drop: 5 Charts on Digital Dining Habits

Report
May 17, 2024

How are consumers adapting to digital dining tools designed to make ordering and delivery more convenient? Are they embracing restaurant apps, delivery platforms, and digital ordering kiosks?

Restaurant Digitization 2024

Restaurant Digitization 2024

Report
Apr 24, 2024

Restaurants are investing in AI and unified commerce to enhance personalization and the customer experience.

Aldi tests a checkout-free store format

Article
Apr 16, 2024

Aldi retrofitted an existing store with checkout-free technology: The retailer wants to see if the frictionless shopping experience clicks with shoppers.

Shoppable Media Explainer 2024

Shoppable Media Explainer 2024

Report
Feb 02, 2024

What is shoppable media and which formats have the most potential?

Retailers lean on data, AI for content personalization

Retailers lean on data, AI for content personalization

Article
Jan 12, 2024

71% of US retail decision-makers have invested in data/AI-enabled content for personalization, according to an August 2023 report from Coresight Research and Obsess.

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