3 Data Shifts Helping Retailers Move Faster in 2025

Retailers today face an unprecedented pace of change. Shifting customer expectations, supply chain instability, and tariff uncertainty are challenging even the most sophisticated operators to make faster, smarter decisions. But while many have invested in data tools, few have tackled the deeper issue: how data is accessed and used across the business.

Through conversations with leaders at Skechers, Shutterfly, and James Avery, it’s clear that the retailers moving fastest today are rethinking their relationship with data. They're not adding more layers of complexity — they're simplifying access, decentralizing insights, and empowering frontline teams.

Here are three key data shifts reshaping the way retail businesses operate, compete, and grow.

Shift No. 1: Real-Time Visibility Replaces Static Reporting

Skechers, the global footwear brand, consolidated 12 siloed systems into one unified data platform. This move unlocked real-time visibility across $6 billion in global revenue and 520-plus stores. Instead of relying on outdated reports, teams now act on current operational data to fine-tune inventory, optimize promotions, and respond to changing conditions in days, not weeks.

Why this matters across retail: From apparel to grocery to consumer electronics, real-time visibility helps reduce missed sales, prevent overstocks, and deliver better customer experiences.

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Shift No. 2: Frontline Teams Gain Direct Access to Data

James Avery, a regional jewelry retailer, broke the cycle of data bottlenecks by giving business users the ability to access and explore data directly. Store managers and department leaders now generate their own reports, test ideas, and make decisions — without waiting on IT.

Why this matters across retail: Empowering those closest to the customer leads to faster decisions, stronger ownership, and reduced strain on technical teams.

Shift No. 3: Agile Metrics Replace Rigid Data Pipelines

At Shutterfly, the e-commerce leader in personalized photo gifts, legacy reporting couldn’t support the seasonal agility its business demanded. By switching to a more flexible data model, Shutterfly was able to quickly build custom inventory metrics like “days on hand,” improving purchase timing and reducing overstock risk during peak periods.

Why this matters across retail: When analytics can evolve with your business, you’re better equipped to adapt to trends, test strategies, and drive performance.

Getting Started: Where to Focus Now

Retailers don’t need to rip and replace existing systems to adopt these practices. Here’s how to start:

• Prioritize real-time access to operational data in one key area, such as fulfillment, returns, or inventory.
• Equip business teams with intuitive, secure self-service tools that reduce dependency on IT.
• Eliminate rigid reporting bottlenecks with agile platforms that support flexible, evolving metrics.

And with artificial intelligence increasingly on every retail road map, getting your data house in order is more important than ever. AI isn’t magic. It needs clean, connected and context-rich data to work. The retailers that prepare today will be the ones that can truly capitalize tomorrow.

As you reflect on your strategy, ask yourself:

• Do my teams have access to the data they need when they need it?
• Are decisions being made based on fresh data or reports from two weeks ago?
• What’s the cost of waiting for answers in terms of margin, agility or customer satisfaction?
• Am I building the kind of data foundation that can support AI, automation and innovation?

The answers to these questions will shape your ability to compete not just in 2025, but in the years ahead.

Osama Elkady is the co-founder and CEO of Incorta, a unified data and analytics platform.