In-store inefficiencies cost retailers dear driven by misordered technology deployments strategies
Retailers are accelerating investments in in-store intelligence technology at record levels, yet operational inefficiencies continue to rise, costing 6.4% of gross sales annually, up from 5.5% in 2025 and 4.5% in 2024, which total $196.4 billion across key retail sectors.
According to research from Simbe and Coresight Research, retailers are deploying pricing software and supplier platforms before establishing the shelf level data these systems require. This creates a gap between technology investment and ROI. Store technology adoption is nearly universal: 97% have deployed or plan to deploy store intelligence technology within the next year. Yet inefficiencies now cost retailers a growing share of gross sales. The research shows that technology sequencing - not investment alone - is what separates value creation from value erosion.
“Store technology decisions this year will shape competitive positions for decades,” says Deborah Weinswig, CEO and Founder at Coresight Research. “Our data shows that prioritisation determines return. Retailers that deploy shelf digitisation technology first build a compounding competitive advantage that is difficult to replicate.”
“A digitised shelf is the foundation that every retail system depends on,” says Caitlin Allen, Senior Vice President of Market at Simbe. “Leading retailers have modernised operating models with data that flows seamlessly across store operations, supply chain, and digital channels. This shift improves execution across the store while enabling teams to focus on higher-value work for the customer.”
“What this research shows is that isolated technology decisions create isolated results,” adds Doug Iverson, Senior Vice President at RELEX Solutions. “Retailers see the biggest gains when store data flows seamlessly into supply chain, merchandising, and pricing decisions. That’s how you reduce inefficiencies at scale and ensure every system is working from the same version of reality.”
2026 RTIH Innovation Awards
In-store technology will be a key focus area at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards.
The awards are now open for entries and celebrate global retail technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.
Our winners will be revealed at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London on Wednesday, 4th November.
Check out our 2025 winners here.
Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.
In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”
“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”
He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”
Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended our 2025 gathering.
