Smarter. Faster. More connected. That’s the future of retail.
The next era of retail isn’t just about digital transformation — it’s about connection.
As customer expectations rise and operations grow more complex, retailers are rethinking how their stores communicate, collaborate and perform.
In 2026, global retail IT spending is forecast to hit $240.7 billion* — and the leaders driving that investment aren’t just buying new tools. They’re building intelligent store ecosystems where people, data and devices work together in real time.
That’s why we’ve created our latest report, Retail technology trends 2026: Building smarter, more connected stores, your essential guide to the innovations shaping the future of physical retail.
Get the report
Download our report and discover:
- The top technologies transforming in-store retail, from agentic AI to voice-first communication
- How edge computing and IoT ecosystems are powering real-time, connected stores
- Why ethical AI and cybersecurity will define customer trust in 2026
- Practical steps to turn connection into a competitive advantage across every location
Ready to lead the next era of connected retail?
The future belongs to retailers who can connect every store, system and associate in real time.
Speak to our team to discover how x-hoppers can help you bring that vision to life.
* Source: Gartner: Forecast: Enterprise IT spending for the retail market, worldwide, 2020–2026
