Cart.com research finds retailers prepping 2025 investments in CX, AI, machine learning and data analytics

Unified commerce solutions provider, Cart.com, has released survey findings among 351 US retail operations leaders detailing investment priorities for 2025. 74% of respondents indicated that they are waiting to see what new policies are enacted by the Trump administration before fully dedicating their budgets.

Top findings from the study include increased investments in: Customer experience; AI and machine learning; Inventory management systems; Real-time data analytics; Cybersecurity measures.

Despite some disappointments in 2024 investments, retail leaders are recalibrating their budgets to address inefficiencies, shifting funds away from costly last-mile delivery solutions and underperforming inventory management software and redirecting investment to promising areas such as digitalisation, warehouse automation, and last mile delivery.

“The retail industry is transforming even further in 2025, driven by technological advancements and shifting consumer demands,” says Ilias Simpson, President at Cart.com. “In addition, the results of the recent election and the new administration’s tariff announcements demand that brands reassess their supply chain among potential regulatory and policy changes, including the looming rule change that will close the 321 de minimis loophole."

Additional survey findings include: automation remains a central focus across retail sectors with a focus on data and visibility alongside strategies for optimising inventory management, increasing warehouse automation, implementing AI for demand forecasting, expanding same-day delivery options, and strengthening supplier partnerships.

RTIH AI in Retail Awards

RTIH, organiser of the industry leading RTIH Innovation Awards, proudly brings you the first edition of the RTIH AI in Retail Awards, which is now open for entries. 

As we witness a digital transformation revolution across all channels, AI tools are reshaping the omnichannel game, from personalising customer experiences to optimising inventory, uncovering insights into consumer behaviour, and enhancing the human element of retailers' businesses.

As AI sees increasing adoption in the retail space, our newly launched awards celebrate global technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world and the resulting benefits for retailers, shoppers and employees.

Our 2025 winners will be those companies who not only recognise the potential of AI, but also make it usable in everyday work - resulting in more efficiency and innovation in all areas.

Winners willl be announced at an evening event at The Barbican in Central London on Thursday, 3rd July. This will kick off with a drinks reception in the stunning Conservatory, followed by a three course meal, and awards ceremony in the Garden Room.

Please email our Editor, Scott Thompson, if you have any questions or need further information: scott.thompson@retailtechinnovationhub.com

FAQs

Is there a fee to enter the awards?: No, it is free of charge.

Can I enter across multiple categories: Yes.

Do I need to complete all the sections in the entry form? No, but the more information you provide, the better chance you have of producing a successful submission.

Is there a certain timeframe for nominated projects, initiatives etc? Yes, nominated projects, initiatives etc should have been completed (or substantially completed) during the last 12 months.

Who has visibility of our completed entry form and what information will be public should we win or be shortlisted? Only our Editor, Scott Thompson, and judging panel will view submissions. The information provided in the summary section of the entry form will be made public.

Do you only accept entries from UK-based companies? No, we accept entries from all parts of the world.

What is the shortlists process? Shortlists will be announced in April 2025, then shortlisted entries will be sent to our independent judging panel who will decide upon the winners and highly commended submissions. Shortlisted companies will be invited to attend an awards ceremony at The Barbican in Central London on Thursday, 3rd July 2o25.

Do winners and highly commended companies receive post-event coverage? Yes, post-event coverage includes articles on our website and also an in-depth awards review in our printed magazine. There is also the opportunity for a company profile type piece to be published on our site and within our magazine.

When is the deadline for 2025 submissions? Friday, 23rd May 2025.

When will the 2025 winners be revealed? Winners will be announced at an event at The Barbican in Central London on Thursday, 3rd July. This will kick off with a drinks reception, followed by a three course meal, awards ceremony, and after party featuring DJ until midnight.

Who will be judging submissions? Details of our 2025 judging panel will be announced in the near future.