The Impact Of Technology On Shopping Experiences
The retail industry is on the cusp of a significant transformation, driven by technological advancements and shifting consumer behaviors. According to Bernard Marr, a renowned expert in business and technology, the e-commerce landscape is expected to undergo substantial changes in 2026 (Marr, 2025). One of the key trends that will shape the industry is the adoption of Agentic Payment Protocols, a technology framework that enables trustworthy and secure transactions.
Google has recently unveiled its framework for Agentic Payment Protocols in partnership with major payment services, including Mastercard, American Express, and Coinbase (Google, 2025). The rise of social media as a retail channel is another significant trend that will impact the industry. Platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram have become essential channels for reaching audiences and driving sales (Facebook, 2022; TikTok, 2022; Instagram, 2022). The use of virtual and AI-powered influencers is also gaining traction, enabling retailers to host ___stream events and promote products 24 → 7 (Marr, 2025). The increasing importance of artificial intelligence (AI) in search is forcing retailers to adapt their selling strategies to be AI-friendly. This includes building feeds that chatbots and agents can interact with and ensuring product listings contain ← →
The intersection of technology and retail has given rise to a new era of shopping experiences, one that is increasingly driven by data and artificial intelligence. As consumers, we are now accustomed to personalized recommendations, seamless transactions, and real-time updates on our purchases. This shift has been made possible by the proliferation of digital platforms, which have enabled retailers to collect and analyze vast amounts of customer data.
According to a report by McKinsey, the use of data and analytics has become a key differentiator for retailers, with those who leverage data effectively experiencing a 10-20% increase in sales (Manyika et al., 2017). The impact of technology on retail extends beyond the online shopping experience, with brick-and-mortar stores also undergoing a significant transformation.
The use of digital signage, mobile payments, and in-store analytics has become increasingly prevalent, enabling retailers to create a more immersive and personalized shopping experience for customers.
For instance, Walmart has implemented a mobile payment system that allows customers to pay using their smartphones, reducing checkout lines and wait times (Walmart, 2020). As technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more innovative applications in the retail space, from augmented reality try-on to AI-powered customer service.
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