Information Technology (IT) Spending in Retail Industry Market
By Component;
Services and ApplicationsBy Infrastructure Software;
IoT Enablement, Network Application, and CybersecurityBy Organization Size;
Large Enterprises and Small & Mid-Size OrganizationBy Deployment Type;
E-Commerce, Hypermarket/Supermarket , Specialty Stores, Departmental Stores, and OthersBy Geography;
North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and Latin America - Report Timeline (2021 - 2031)IT Spending in Retail Industry Market Overview
IT Spending in Retail Industry Market (USD Million)
IT Spending in Retail Industry Market was valued at USD 6,257.13 million in the year 2024. The size of this market is expected to increase to USD 9,787.59 million by the year 2031, while growing at a Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6.6%.
Information Technology (IT) Spending in Retail Industry Market
*Market size in USD million
CAGR 6.6 %
Study Period | 2025 - 2031 |
---|---|
Base Year | 2024 |
CAGR (%) | 6.6 % |
Market Size (2024) | USD 6,257.13 Million |
Market Size (2031) | USD 9,787.59 Million |
Market Concentration | Medium |
Report Pages | 371 |
Major Players
- Cisco Systems, Inc.
- Epicor Software Corporation.
- Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company
- Informatica LLC
- International Business Machines Corporation
- JDA Software Group, Inc.
- LS Retail ehf
- MagstarInc
- Microsoft Corporation
- MicroStrategy Incorporated
- Oracle Corporation
- Salesforce.com, Inc.
- SAP SE
- VMware, Inc
Market Concentration
Consolidated - Market dominated by 1 - 5 major players
Information Technology (IT) Spending in Retail Industry Market
Fragmented - Highly competitive market without dominant players
The IT Spending in Retail Industry Market is witnessing significant momentum as retailers embrace digital transformation to meet evolving consumer expectations. Over 65% of retail businesses are channeling IT investments into streamlining operations and elevating customer engagement. The rapid shift to online commerce and the necessity for advanced inventory systems are propelling this substantial growth.
Surging Demand for Cloud and AI Technologies
Cloud computing and AI-driven analytics are becoming central to IT strategies in the retail sector. Approximately 58% of retailers have transitioned essential processes to the cloud, benefiting from enhanced agility and cost-efficiency. AI tools empower businesses with predictive analytics, personalized promotions, and optimized inventory management, driving higher customer satisfaction and profitability.
Heightened Focus on Cybersecurity Measures
The surge in digital transactions has made cybersecurity a dominant IT expenditure, accounting for over 42% of budgets. Retailers are increasingly deploying sophisticated threat prevention systems, advanced encryption, and identity verification protocols to protect sensitive consumer data. Strengthening cybersecurity has become imperative amid escalating threats and data privacy concerns.
Omnichannel Platforms Fuel IT Investments
Investments in omnichannel capabilities continue to grow as retailers strive for consistent experiences across all touchpoints. Nearly 53% of businesses have implemented integrated platforms that synchronize real-time data across physical stores, online shops, and mobile channels. This approach not only boosts operational efficiency but also strengthens customer loyalty and enhances revenue streams.
IT Spending in Retail Industry Market Recent Developments
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In September 2024, a major shift in retail IT spending trends occurred, with a strong focus on AI, automation, and retail media. Technology adoption among large retailers surged, with investments aimed at enhancing both in,store and online sales experiences. This shift was partly due to the ongoing pressure from e,commerce competition and the desire for increased profitability. Retailers are leveraging AI and big data to boost efficiencies, while automation is being used to streamline operations and improve customer engagement.
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In 2021, global IT spending in the retail industry saw a surge, driven by the increasing reliance on cloud infrastructure and enterprise software. Despite the economic challenges posed by the pandemic, enterprise software spending grew by 9%, with cloud services gaining significant traction as retailers adapted to changing market conditions. The use of software,as,a,service (SaaS) models enabled retailers to increase their digital transformation efforts, particularly in e,commerce and customer service, ensuring resilience against future disruptions.
IT Spending in Retail Industry Market Segment Analysis
In this report, the IT Spending in Retail Industry Market has been segmented by Component, Infrastructure Software, Organization Size, Deployment Type, and Geography.
IT Spending in Retail Industry Market, Segmentation by Component
The IT Spending in Retail Industry Market has been segmented by Component into Services and Applications.
Services
IT services dominate the retail segment due to growing outsourcing trends, maintenance contracts, and system integration requirements. This category supports over 50% of enterprise-wide spending in retail IT transformation.
Applications
Retail applications such as POS software, CRM, and ERP platforms contribute significantly, enabling automation and efficiency across retail chains. These applications hold a substantial market share due to demand for real-time analytics and seamless operations.
IT Spending in Retail Industry Market, Segmentation by Infrastructure Software
The IT Spending in Retail Industry Market has been segmented by Infrastructure Software into IoT Enablement, Network Application, and Cybersecurity.IoT Enablement
IoT solutions are revolutionizing retail with real-time asset tracking, smart shelves, and connected devices. This segment accounts for over 20% of IT infrastructure investments in modern retail environments.
Network Application
Network software facilitates uninterrupted connectivity between stores, warehouses, and head offices. It plays a pivotal role in cloud migrations and remote operations management.
Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity solutions are crucial due to rising concerns over data breaches and transaction fraud. Around 15% of the infrastructure software budget is allocated to strengthening data protection in retail IT systems.
IT Spending in Retail Industry Market, Segmentation by Organization Size
The IT Spending in Retail Industry Market has been segmented by Organization Size into Large Enterprises and Small & Mid-Size Organization.
Large Enterprises
Large retail chains drive significant IT spending through advanced automation, omnichannel strategy, and data analytics platforms. They represent more than 60% of the overall IT investments in the sector.
Small & Mid-Size Organization
SMEs in retail are adopting cloud-based and cost-effective IT solutions to enhance agility. This segment is experiencing rapid growth, contributing to nearly 40% of market expansion.
IT Spending in Retail Industry Market, Segmentation by Deployment Type
The IT Spending in Retail Industry Market has been segmented by Deployment Type into E-Commerce, Hypermarket/Supermarket, Specialty Stores, Departmental Stores, and Others.
E-Commerce
Online retail platforms command a major share due to the digital shopping boom and demand for scalable cloud infrastructure. E-Commerce alone drives nearly 35% of IT spending in retail.
Hypermarket/Supermarket
Large format stores are modernizing with self-checkout systems, inventory tech, and AI-led analytics. Their IT investments focus on customer experience and efficiency.
Specialty Stores
Specialty retailers are embracing tailored IT tools to deliver personalized services and manage niche inventories. This segment steadily grows, contributing 10–12% to IT budgets.
Departmental Stores
Departmental stores are digitizing legacy infrastructure, integrating POS, CRM, and workforce solutions. These upgrades are aimed at boosting in-store engagement.
Others
This segment includes emerging formats like pop-up stores and kiosks which invest in portable, cloud-native IT systems. Though small, it is growing due to flexible deployment needs.
IT Spending in Retail Industry Market, Segmentation by Geography
In this report, the IT Spending in Retail Industry Market has been segmented by Geography into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and Latin America.
Regions and Countries Analyzed in this Report
IT Spending in Retail Industry MarketShare (%), by Geographical Region
North America
North America holds a dominant share of over 35% in retail IT spending, driven by high adoption of advanced digital infrastructure and omnichannel strategies. Retailers here invest heavily in cloud computing, AI, and customer data platforms to enhance shopping experiences.
Europe
Europe contributes around 20–25% of the market, with strong emphasis on data privacy regulations and sustainable retail technologies. Retailers across this region are modernizing systems to comply with GDPR standards and elevate operational efficiency.
Asia Pacific
Asia Pacific is witnessing the highest growth rate, accounting for over 25% of global IT retail spend. Countries like China, India, and Japan are leading with innovations in mobile commerce, AI-driven logistics, and smart store solutions.
Middle East & Africa
The Middle East & Africa region is steadily emerging, contributing nearly 8% to the retail IT market. Urban retailers are embracing digital payment systems, cloud-based inventory tools, and real-time analytics to enhance competitiveness.
Latin America
Latin America represents approximately 7% of retail IT investments, with growing demand for POS integration and e-commerce infrastructure. Markets like Brazil and Mexico are driving adoption through digitization of traditional retail models.
Market Trends
This report provides an in depth analysis of various factors that impact the dynamics of IT Spending in Retail Industry Market. These factors include; Market Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities Analysis.
Comprehensive Market Impact Matrix
This matrix outlines how core market forces—Drivers, Restraints, and Opportunities—affect key business dimensions including Growth, Competition, Customer Behavior, Regulation, and Innovation.
Market Forces ↓ / Impact Areas → | Market Growth Rate | Competitive Landscape | Customer Behavior | Regulatory Influence | Innovation Potential |
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Drivers | High impact (e.g., tech adoption, rising demand) | Encourages new entrants and fosters expansion | Increases usage and enhances demand elasticity | Often aligns with progressive policy trends | Fuels R&D initiatives and product development |
Restraints | Slows growth (e.g., high costs, supply chain issues) | Raises entry barriers and may drive market consolidation | Deters consumption due to friction or low awareness | Introduces compliance hurdles and regulatory risks | Limits innovation appetite and risk tolerance |
Opportunities | Unlocks new segments or untapped geographies | Creates white space for innovation and M&A | Opens new use cases and shifts consumer preferences | Policy shifts may offer strategic advantages | Sparks disruptive innovation and strategic alliances |
Drivers, Restraints and Opportunity Analysis
Drivers
- Surging demand for personalized shopping experiences
- Rapid digital transformation across retail channels
- Adoption of omnichannel retailing infrastructure
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Increasing investment in cloud-based retail solutions - The growing shift toward cloud-based retail solutions is significantly driving IT spending in the retail industry. As retail operations become increasingly digital and data-driven, businesses are turning to cloud platforms to gain flexibility, scalability, and centralized control over their IT infrastructure. Cloud-based systems allow retailers to deploy applications faster, reduce hardware dependence, and enhance data accessibility across multiple store locations or e-commerce platforms.
Cloud adoption supports cost-effective technology deployment, especially for mid-sized and large retail chains aiming to streamline their inventory management, customer relationship management (CRM), and point-of-sale (POS) systems. These solutions enable real-time data synchronization, allowing retail managers to make informed decisions and deliver consistent customer experiences across channels.
With the growing need for agility in a competitive retail landscape, cloud platforms offer seamless integration with third-party tools and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and predictive analytics. This empowers retailers to personalize customer engagement, automate backend processes, and respond swiftly to market trends or disruptions.
Cloud-based IT environments simplify maintenance and security by offering centralized updates, enhanced data backup, and compliance management. As cloud service providers expand their offerings tailored to the retail sector, the migration to cloud-native infrastructure continues to accelerate, making it a major driver of IT investment in the industry.
Restraints
- High implementation costs for small retailers
- Data privacy and cybersecurity compliance challenges
- Legacy system integration with modern platforms
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Shortage of IT-skilled retail workforce - A notable restraint in IT spending within the retail sector is the persistent shortage of IT-skilled retail workforce. Despite strong interest in digital transformation, many retailers lack the technical talent required to implement, manage, and scale IT solutions. This workforce gap creates delays in modernization projects and limits the adoption of advanced technologies across retail operations.
Retailers need skilled professionals to handle tasks such as cloud migration, cybersecurity, data analytics, and software integration. However, competition from tech-focused industries and limited internal upskilling initiatives make it difficult for retailers to attract or retain IT talent. This issue is particularly challenging for smaller and mid-sized businesses operating on tight margins.
The evolving complexity of digital retailing, including omnichannel platforms and AI-driven systems, further increases the demand for highly specialized skills. Retail IT departments often struggle with overextended teams and reliance on external consultants, which can increase costs and reduce long-term sustainability. This bottleneck affects not only solution deployment but also ongoing optimization and support.
Addressing this restraint requires a stronger focus on training programs, partnerships with tech firms, and talent development strategies specific to retail IT environments. While automation and low-code platforms may reduce reliance on technical teams in some areas, the current shortage remains a significant barrier to fully leveraging digital retail capabilities.
Opportunities
- Expansion of AI-driven retail analytics tools
- Rising adoption of retail automation systems
- Growth in demand for contactless technologies
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Development of edge computing for retail operations - The development of edge computing for retail operations presents a promising opportunity for IT spending growth in the retail industry. Edge computing enables data processing to occur closer to the source—within stores, kiosks, or customer touchpoints—rather than relying solely on centralized cloud infrastructure. This model enhances speed, reduces latency, and improves the responsiveness of in-store applications.
Retailers are increasingly adopting edge solutions to support real-time inventory tracking, interactive digital signage, smart checkout systems, and personalized promotions. These use cases require rapid data processing and immediate action, which traditional cloud-only systems may not provide effectively due to bandwidth and latency constraints. Edge computing bridges this gap and delivers consistent performance regardless of internet connectivity.
Edge technologies help reduce the volume of data sent to the cloud, cutting down on costs and network congestion. For retailers, this translates to better cost control, faster service, and enhanced customer engagement at the store level. When combined with AI and IoT, edge computing unlocks powerful use cases like predictive restocking, facial recognition, and localized campaign automation.
As demand grows for seamless, in-person digital experiences, investments in edge infrastructure are expected to rise. Retailers that prioritize edge-enabled IT strategies will benefit from greater operational efficiency, localized intelligence, and superior customer service delivery, making edge computing a key enabler of the next generation of retail innovation.
Competitive Landscape Analysis
Key players in IT Spending in Retail Industry Market include.
- Cisco Systems, Inc.
- Epicor Software Corporation.
- Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company
- Informatica LLC
- International Business Machines Corporation
- JDA Software Group, Inc.
- LS Retail ehf
- MagstarInc
- Microsoft Corporation
- MicroStrategy Incorporated
- Oracle Corporation
- Salesforce.com, Inc.
- SAP SE
- VMware, Inc
In this report, the profile of each market player provides following information:
- Company Overview and Product Portfolio
- Market Share Analysis
- Key Developments
- Financial Overview
- Strategies
- Company SWOT Analysis
- Introduction
- Research Objectives and Assumptions
- Research Methodology
- Abbreviations
- Market Definition & Study Scope
- Executive Summary
- Market Snapshot, By Component
- Market Snapshot, By Infrastructure Software
- Market Snapshot, By Organization Size
- Market Snapshot, By Deployment Type
- Market Snapshot, By Region
- IT Spending in Retail Industry Market Dynamics
- Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities
- Drivers
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Surging demand for personalized shopping experiences
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Rapid digital transformation across retail channels
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Adoption of omnichannel retailing infrastructure
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Increasing investment in cloud-based retail solutions
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- Restraints
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High implementation costs for small retailers
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Data privacy and cybersecurity compliance challenges
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Legacy system integration with modern platforms
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Shortage of IT-skilled retail workforc
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- Opportunities
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Expansion of AI-driven retail analytics tools
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Rising adoption of retail automation systems
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Growth in demand for contactless technologies
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Development of edge computing for retail operation
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- Drivers
- PEST Analysis
- Political Analysis
- Economic Analysis
- Social Analysis
- Technological Analysis
- Porter's Analysis
- Bargaining Power of Suppliers
- Bargaining Power of Buyers
- Threat of Substitutes
- Threat of New Entrants
- Competitive Rivalry
- Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities
- Market Segmentation
- IT Spending in Retail Industry Market, By Component, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Services
- Applications
- IT Spending in Retail Industry Market, By Infrastructure Software, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- IoT Enablement
- Network Application
- Cybersecurity
- IT Spending in Retail Industry Market, By Organization Size, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Large Enterprises
- Small & Mid-Size Organization
- IT Spending in Retail Industry Market, By Deployment Type, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- E-commerce
- Hypermarket/Supermarket
- Specialty store
- Departmental Stores
- Others
- IT Spending in Retail Industry Market, By Geography, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- North America
- United States
- Canada
- Europe
- Germany
- United Kingdom
- France
- Italy
- Spain
- Nordic
- Benelux
- Rest of Europe
- Asia Pacific
- Japan
- China
- India
- Australia & New Zealand
- South Korea
- ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Countries)
- Rest of Asia Pacific
- Middle East & Africa
- GCC
- Israel
- South Africa
- Rest of Middle East & Africa
- Latin America
- Brazil
- Mexico
- Argentina
- Rest of Latin America
- North America
- IT Spending in Retail Industry Market, By Component, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Competitive Landscape
- Company Profiles
- Cisco Systems, Inc.
- Epicor Software Corporation.
- Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company
- Informatica LLC
- International Business Machines Corporation
- JDA Software Group, Inc.
- LS Retail ehf
- MagstarInc
- Microsoft Corporation
- MicroStrategy Incorporated
- Oracle Corporation
- Salesforce.com, Inc.
- SAP SE
- VMware, Inc
- Company Profiles
- Analyst Views
- Future Outlook of the Market