Brands and retailers are increasingly leveraging technology to improve consumer experiences, increase operational efficiency, and boost profitability. While technology is the backbone of retail, consumers are not always familiar or…
US
Retail
Technology
simple
US Tech in Retail Report 2025
"Looking ahead, brands and retailers can further leverage tech to improve and innovate areas such as in-store navigation, personalization, and fulfillment to meet consumers' expectations."
Brands and retailers are increasingly leveraging technology to improve consumer experiences, increase operational efficiency, and boost profitability. While technology is the backbone of retail, consumers are not always familiar or comfortable with the tech solutions supporting their shopping experiences, or simply avoid using the consumer-facing tech available to them. In fact, nearly half (47%) of consumers are average to low tech users. This signals the need to drive awareness about the solutions available and their benefits, as well as education on how to use them.
In addition to consumer-facing tech innovations, it is important to recognize that the future of the retail industry depends on building robust, resilient infrastructure and frictionless shopping experiences. Moving forward, prioritizing tech that enhances resilience and meets consumer expectations is essential.
For instance, AI has the power to drive operational transformation, as well as influence consumer interactions. As AI matures, its integration into retail will be crucial to boost productivity and consumer engagement, with companies lagging in adoption risking falling behind the competition.
This report looks at the following areas:
Consumer attitudes towards technology in shopping
Barriers to tech adoption in retail
Strategies for balancing tech innovation with sustainability
Impact of data privacy concerns on consumer behavior
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
What you need to know
Predictions
What consumers want & why
Opportunities
Tech in retail opportunities
MARKET DYNAMICS
Market drivers
Conservative spending on retail tech is expected
Technology makes operations more resilient
Data privacy is a concern for consumers
Advanced technology negatively impacts the environment; companies must balance tech innovation with sustainable efforts
CONSUMER INSIGHTS
Consumer fast facts
Awareness, usage and interest of various forms of technology
Technology is part of daily life
Graph 1: technology awareness, 2025
Choose tech integrations wisely
Graph 2: repertoire of technology usage and interest, 2025
Consumers’ interest in various forms of tech outpaces usage
Graph 3: technology adoption and interest, 2025
Home Depot uses tech to simplify shopping and educate consumers
QR codes bridge the gap between physical and digital shopping
Graph 4: technology adoption and interest – select responses, 2025
Scan and Shop: IQAir extends consumer engagement beyond the ads through QR codes
Not all forms of technology are everyone’s cup of tea
Graph 5: technology adoption and interest – select responses, 2025
Walgreens looks to (wisely) shut its “smart” screens
Motivations to use tech when shopping
Consumers want simple and informed shopping experiences
Graph 6: motivations to use tech when shopping – any rank, 2025
Home Depot launches Magic Apron
Younger consumers embrace technology every step of the way
Graph 7: motivations to use tech when shopping – any rank, by age, 2025
Etsy goes all in with AI to improve its marketplace experience
Barriers to using technology when shopping
Ethical data practices and tech education are essential to encourage usage
Graph 8: barriers to use technology when shopping – any rank, 2025
Consumers are apprehensive about their personal information
Areas of opportunity
Consumers are calling for improvements across various aspects of the shopping experience
Graph 9: areas of opportunity for tech, by age, 2025
Walmart launches “Sparky”, an AI shopping assistant
Enhancements in customer service will always be welcome
Graph 10: technology usage while shopping, by areas of opportunity, 2025
Attitudes toward technology in retail
Elevate tech with human touch
Technology can influence where consumers shop
Graph 11: attitudes toward tech in retail – any agree, by age, 2025
Lowe’s brings kitchen visualization tool to its stores
Tech alone is not going to win consumers
Graph 12: attitudes toward tech in retail, by gender and age, 2025
INNOVATION AND MARKETING STRATEGIES
Sam’s Club taps into technology to enhance the shopping experience
Instacart launches AI-powered Smart Shop
Old Navy partners with RADAR to optimize inventory management
APPENDIX
Consumer research questions
Consumer research methodology
Generations
Abbreviations
Terms
Attitudes toward tech in retail
Graph 13: attitudes toward tech in retail – any agree, 2025
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