Retail Automation Market Trends

Retail Automation Market Overview

The Retail Automation Market is projected to grow from USD 15658.54 million in 2024 to USD 59658.5 million by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18.20% during the forecast period (2024 - 2032). Additionally, the market size for retail automation was valued at USD 13247.5 million in 2023.

Retail automation is the use of new tools and technology to streamline processes and improve operational efficiency. These often include hardware and software/technology solutions to accurately and consistently perform time-consuming and repetitive tasks. The retail automation market is experiencing a significant boost due to substantial investments made by big retail giants along with the growth of e-commerce industry, increase in individual spending capacities, economic growth, technological advancements, and changing consumer preferences.

As per Analyst at MRFR, “The rapid pace of technological advancements coupled with shortage of skilled labors has led to the development of sophisticated automation systems for retail, such as inventory management, robotics, and artificial intelligence. As individual spending capacities rise, consumers are more likely to adopt new technologies, which in turn fuel the demand for retail automation.”

Figure 1: Retail Automation Market Size, 2023-2032 (USD Billion)

Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database, and Analyst Review

Retail Automation Market Trends

The retail industry is constantly changing due to increasing customer demands and the rapid development of new technologies. AI in retail ensures better demand forecasting. AI business intelligence tools predict industry changes by extracting insights from market, consumer, and competitive data to make proactive changes to a company's marketing, merchandising, and business strategy. Predictive data can also personalize customer experiences by predicting current products and trends. Businesses can also create reports that provide deeper insight into how to improve customer loyalty and satisfaction. Data-driven insights enable personalized campaigns, such as messages tailored to emailed receipts. AI companies can help in building an interactive chat program which is a great way to leverage AI technology while improving customer service and retail engagement. These bots use AI and machine learning to communicate with customers, answer common questions, and provide helpful answers and results. In return, these bots collect valuable customer data that can be used to make future business decisions. AI can also help in logistics management systems by adjusting retailers' inventory, staffing, distribution, and delivery schedules in real time, creating a highly efficient supply and fulfillment chains while providing high-quality, instant access and support.

Retail Automation Market Segment Insights

Retail Automation Type Insights

Based on type, the Retail Automation Market segmentation into Electronic Shelf Labels (ESL), Point of Sale (PoS), Automatic Storage & Retrieval Systems (AS/RS), barcode & RFID, automated conveyor, warehouse robotics, others. Point of Sale (PoS) would be the majority shareholder in 2022, contributing around 25.6% to the market revenue. POS systems automate many retail operations, leading to reduced labor costs and increased efficiency. POS systems reduce the risk of human error in sales transactions and inventory management. This increased accuracy of data allows retailers to make informed decisions based on accurate sales and inventory data, resulting in more strategic business decisions and with helps in increasing sales.

Retail Automation Component Insights

Based on component, the Retail Automation Market is segmented into hardware, software and services. The software segment is further bifurcated into inventory management systems, chatbots and virtual assistants, workforce management software, logistics & supply chain management, AI-based demand forecasting, retail apps & online store applications, analytics and business intelligence. AI allows businesses to synchronize inventory across multiple warehouses, retail stores, and online marketplaces. By providing a central and accurate view of inventory across all locations, AI enables more efficient distribution and replenishment, better customer service, and significantly reduces the risk of overselling.

FIGURE 2: RETAIL AUTOMATION MARKET, BY TYPE, 2022 VS 2032 (USD MILLION)

Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database, and Analyst Review

Retail Automation Implementation Insights

Based on implementation, the Retail Automation Market is segmented into On-Store Premises and Warehouse. Warehouse held the majority share in 2022. Warehouse automation involves using technology to optimize the operations of distribution centers, fulfillment centers, and warehouses. This method helps retailers optimize their logistics and fulfillment processes. This is extremely important in e-commerce landscape. Retailers are using automation solutions such as automated conveyor systems, robotic order picking systems, and inventory management software to address the complexities of modern supply chain management.

Retail Automation End-User Insights

Based on end-user, the Retail Automation Market is segmented into hypermarkets, supermarkets, single item stores, fuel stations, retail pharmacies and others. The hypermarkets held the majority share in 2022. Hypermarket automation contributes to efficiency by streamlining checkout, managing large inventory volumes, and increasing customer loyalty with personalized promotions. The growth of the hypermarket sector is primarily due to the need to improve operational efficiency and provide a seamless shopping experience. Retailers in this sector are investing in automation technology to process high volume transactions and provide innovative services to their customers. Additionally, market growth is driven by the increasing demand for contactless self-checkout solutions that meet consumers' evolving preferences in hypermarkets.

Retail Automation Regional Insights

By Region, the study provides market insights into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa and South America. North America accounted for ~ 46.2% retail automation market in 2022. North America is likely to be the largest contributor to the retail automation market. This includes the US, Canada, and Mexico. The growth of retail automation in North America is primarily driven by the increasing demand to improve customer experience and operational efficiency. Market growth in this region is also driven by the increasing adoption of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning in retail automation solutions.

Asia Pacific is one of the fastest growing markets for retail automation in the world. The region is experiencing high population growth and economic development, as well as increased domestic consumption, increasing the need for efficient retail operations, logistics and warehousing. The Asia Pacific region is expected to witness significant growth due to increasing adoption of automation technology and increasing demand for efficient material handling, as well as government policies to implement automation technology.

The growth of the retail automation market in Europe is primarily driven by the dire need for cost-effective solutions and the pursuit of improved customer experience. The region is rapidly increasing the adoption of technologies such as RFID, smart shelving, and automated inventory management systems to optimize supply chain processes and reduce operational costs. Additionally, European retail is focusing on sustainability and environmental responsibility, driving the adoption of automation technologies to minimize waste and energy consumption. This eco-friendly approach not only meets legal requirements, but also reflects the growing environmental awareness of consumers.

FIGURE 3: RETAIL AUTOMATION MARKET SIZE BY REGION 2022 VS 2032

Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database, and Analyst Review

Further, the major countries studied in the market report are the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Germany, UK, France, Italy, Spain, China, Japan, and India.

Retail Automation Key Market Players & Competitive Insights

The global market for retail automation has witnessed significant growth over the forecast period due to the growing e-commerce industry. There are several domestic, regional, and global players operating in the retail automation market who continuously strive to gain a significant share of the overall market. During the study, MRFR has analyzed some of the major players in the Retail Automation market who have contributed to the market growth includes Fujitsu, Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions, Honeywell International Inc., Posiflex Technology Inc., First DataCorp, KUKA AG, Diebold Nixdorf, Incorporated, Zebra Technologies Corp., NCR Corporation, Kiosk & Display, Xerox Corporation, Probiz Technologies, UiPath, EK Robotics GmbH, and Datalogic SpA among others.

Among these, Datalogic SpA, Diebold Nixdorf, Fujitsu, NCR Corporation and Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions are among the top 5 players in the Retail Automation Market. These players focus on expanding and enhancing their product portfolio and services to remain competitive and increase their customer base. Additionally, these players are focusing on partnerships & collaborations to expand their business and customer base to enhance their market position.

Key Companies in the Retail Automation market include

• 
  

  NCR Corporation

  
  


• 
  

  Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions

  
  


• 
  

  Fujitsu

  
  


• 
  

  Diebold Nixdorf, Incorporated

  
  


• 
  

  Datalogic S.P.A.

  
  


• 
  

  Honeywell International Inc

  
  


• 
  

  Posiflex Technology, Inc

  
  


• 
  

  First Datacorp

  
  


• 
  

  Kuka AG

  
  


• 
  

  Zebra Technologies Corp

  
  


• 
  

  Kiosk & Display

  
  


• 
  

  Xerox Corporation

  
  


• 
  

  Probiz Technologies

  
  


• 
  

  Uipath

  
  


• 
  

  Ek Robotics Gmbh

  
  

Retail Automation Industry Developments

• In February 2023, RAINUS Co., Ltd. entered into a partnership with Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions to bring electronic shelf labels to managing retailers. Under this partnership, Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions will sell, install, and maintain electronic shelf-label (ESL) solutions for retail customers.


• In January 2023, EK Robotics announced an agreement with Chemco Group to make its central warehouse in Dublin more cost-efficient. A transport robot fleet of nine AGVs will be used in the central warehouse, including SMART MOVE narrow-aisle trucks, three VARIO MOVEs, one Heavy MOVE, and another VARIO MOVE.


• In May 2022, Datalogic SPA launched the powerscan 9600 series of handheld scanners, the new product is designed specifically for manufacturing, warehousing, and retail applications. The new design has a rugged design and wireless charging.

Retail Automation Market Segmentation

Retail Automation Type Outlook

• Electronic Shelf Labels (ESL)


• Point of Sale (PoS)


• Automatic Storage & Retrieval Systems (AS/RS)


• Barcode & RFID


• Automated Conveyor


• Warehouse Robotics


• Others

• Hardware


• Software
  
  
  
  • Inventory Management Systems
  
  
  • Chatbots and Virtual Assistants
  
  
  • Workforce Management Software
  
  
  • Logistics & Supply Chain Management
  
  
  • AI-Based Demand Forecasting
  
  
  • Retail Apps & Online Store Applications
  
  
  • Analytics and Business Intelligence
  
  
  
  


• Services

Retail Automation Implementation Outlook

• On-Store Premises


• Warehouse

Retail Automation End-User Outlook

• Hypermarkets


• Retail Pharmacies


• Supermarkets


• Single Item Stores


• Fuel Stations


• Others

Retail Automation Regional Outlook

• North America
  
  
  
  • US
  
  
  • Canada
  
  
  • Mexico
  
  
  
  


• Europe
  
  
  
  • UK
  
  
  • Germany
  
  
  • France
  
  
  • Italy
  
  
  • Spain
  
  
  • Rest of Europe
  
  
  
  


• Asia-Pacific
  
  
  
  • China
  
  
  • Japan
  
  
  • India
  
  
  • Rest of Asia-Pacific
  
  
  
  


• Middle East & Africa
  
  
  
  • South America