Technology

The Advancements of Retail Tech in 2025
March 10, 2025 at 11:46 am

Technology has been helping to shape the retail sector for years. However, in 2025 we’ll see that impact soar as developments become more advanced and arrive faster than ever. The most significant changes will stem from the need to streamline basic processes, like tracking point-of-sale (POS) activations, along with a desire to harness new technology…

How EX, CX and AI Are Joining Forces to Redefine Shopping Experiences
March 5, 2025 at 6:58 pm

The average U.S. household currently spends $9,343 a year on groceries — 27 percent more than in 2020. With costs rising, it’s no surprise that consumers are rethinking the value equation, and grocers are facing mounting pressure to deliver better customer experiences while managing slim profit margins. The result is a keener focus on driving…

The New Role of the CIO
February 24, 2025 at 8:20 pm

Over the last two decades, the channels where commerce occurs have expanded and blurred as consumer expectations have soared. Along the way, retailers that once only needed to build and maintain software for manufacturing and inventory management have found themselves responsible for building consumer-facing technologies to support e-commerce, marketing, mobile, loyalty, fulfillment, real-time inventory tracking,…

Transforming In-Store Experiences With Modern Queue Management
February 24, 2025 at 5:05 pm

The retail industry is undergoing a major shift. As consumers return to physical stores, they bring expectations shaped by e-commerce’s speed and convenience. Brick-and-mortar stores are no longer just for transactions; they’re now key spaces for brand loyalty, customer engagement, and personalized experiences. However, one pain point remains: waiting in line. A 2023 PwC study…

Digital Innovation is Core to Mondelēz's Growth Strategy
February 17, 2025 at 5:08 pm

In episode 475 of Total Retail Talks, Editor-in-Chief Joe Keenan interviews Kostas Georgakopoulos, chief technology officer and chief information security officer at Mondelēz International, one of the largest snack companies in the world offering iconic global and local brands in over 150 countries. Listen in as Georgakopoulos describes the Mondelēz organization and his role (1:40),…

How Technology, Omnichannel Strategies, and Social Media Are Transforming Retail
January 28, 2025 at 2:13 pm

The retail landscape is undergoing a monumental transformation, driven by rapid advancements in technology and shifting consumer expectations. At the center of this change lies the integration of omnichannel strategies and the explosive influence of social media in driving sales. To stay relevant and thrive, retailers must embrace these shifts and deliver seamless, personalized and…

Key Themes to Emerge From NRF 2025
January 27, 2025 at 4:19 pm

New York Yankees’ superstar Alex Rodriguez was one of over 450 speakers to take the stage at NRF 2025 last week in New York City. From legacy brands such as Tommy Hilfiger to technology innovators like Nvidia, the Big Show was packed with content and attendees. In fact, over 40,000 people from over 100 countries,…

From Digital Disruption to Next-Gen Retail: The Tech Driving Shopping in 2025
January 13, 2025 at 12:43 pm

Over the past five years, the retail industry has undergone a significant digital transformation, fueled by the rise of online shopping. While this shift has driven progress, retailers still face challenges, such as inflation, labor shortages and supply chain disruptions. To address these hurdles, the industry is turning to advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence…

Keeping Up With the January Rush: How Mobile Networks Supercharge Retail Success
January 13, 2025 at 11:56 am

January is a crucial time for retailers as crowds flock to stores for discounts, demanding not just attractive deals but the shopping experience to match. In this busy period, mobile connectivity becomes the linchpin for both customer satisfaction and operational efficiency. The days when a good deal alone could satisfy customers are long gone. Today’s…

Virtual In-Store Testing: Bridging the Gap Between Concept and Reality
January 8, 2025 at 10:10 am

Despite the rise of e-commerce, in-store shopping remains a vital part of the retail landscape. An analysis of omnichannel shoppers at Kroger stores shows this cohort still makes 83 percent of their visits in-store. Additionally, approximately 75 percent of omnichannel shoppers claim that they prefer to head to a store to purchase fresh produce, bakery…