The retail tech landscape in 2025 will be shaped by the maturation of existing technologies rather than radical new innovations. Key trends include:

• Self-checkout evolution: Despite some pullbacks due to theft concerns, self-checkout tech is advancing with features like loyalty integration, mobile scan-and-pay, and RFID-based anti-theft solutions.
• AI-native operations: Retailers are shifting from AI as a buzzword to a practical tool for demand forecasting, waste reduction, and staff support.
• Retail media expansion: In-store advertising grows via digital screens and personalized app-based ads, but requires balance to avoid customer fatigue.

Underpinning these trends is the need for robust, AI-ready networks to enable seamless connectivity and data-driven decision-making.