Skip to content
MarketScale
‹ Back to IndustriesRetail

The Driving Forces Behind the Retail Digital Transformation

Designed for retail leaders and lovers alike, Retail Refined explores the in-store technology of the future, challenges the industry’s preconceived notions, and brings together retail’s biggest names to understand the brand strategies that will define the next decade in retail.   What’s driving retail digital transformation post-pandemic? There are two main categories—customer interaction and transaction enablement, both…

This story was produced through MarketScale. See how Retail teams put it to work with Sales Enablement.

Share

Designed for retail leaders and lovers alike, Retail Refined explores the in-store technology of the future, challenges the industry’s preconceived notions, and brings together retail’s biggest names to understand the brand strategies that will define the next decade in retail.

What’s driving retail digital transformation post-pandemic? There are two main categories—customer interaction and transaction enablement, both of which are solutions of NCR. Their Retail President and General Manager David Wilkinson spoke about both with Retail Refined’s host Melissa Gonzalez. NCR is over 100 years old, with its roots in cash registers and ATMs, now focusing on enterprise technology solutions.

“What’s driving convenience an ease of life.” – David Wilkinson

Wilkinson explained, “We have three primary businesses, banking, restaurants, and retail. Our role is to the core technology behind the scenes so our clients can focus on being a good retailer.”

Wilkinson pointed out that the retail technology stack has been behind. “There was an underinvestment in IT, and now there is new investment for consuming-facing applications, but you have to update the core,” he said.

The pandemic caused some major acceleration in technology adoption by retail with online ordering, BOPIS (buy online pick up in-store) operations, and mobile payments. Wilkinson thinks what will stick post-pandemic is “what’s driving convenience an ease of life.” However, he believes people want to return to shopping in-store, but there will be a melding of the worlds enabled by technology.

Ultimately, what will make the difference is for a retailer to offer a seamless experience no matter the environment or channel. The challenges and opportunities ahead will be how to operationalize these processes that integrate technology to increase ROI for their mobile app or self-checkout. Retailers need to answer the behavior changes of consumers while also engaging them and continuing to build loyalty, whether they are online or in-store shoppers.

Listen to Previous Episodes of Retail Refined Right Here!

Follow us on social media for the latest updates in B2B!

Twitter – @MarketScale

Facebook – facebook.com/marketscale

LinkedIn – linkedin.com/company/marketscale

Retail: are you visible to AI?

Before they reach out, Retail buyers ask AI engines which vendors to trust. See how AI describes your company today, and where competitors show up instead.

Free workspace

You just read one Retail expert. Imagine publishing your whole team.

This article was produced through MarketScale. Create a free workspace and turn your own team's Retail expertise into the articles, video, and social content B2B marketing buyers in your industry are searching for. No credit card, no demo required.

NPS +73 · 1,000+ creators · 38+ countries

What you get, free

Your own MarketScale Studio workspace
One video edit a month, on us
AI writing, editing, and publishing tools
In-platform coaching to learn the system

More Retail Insights

Sizzle Clip - Victoria's Secret

Sizzle Clip - Victoria's Secret

Melissa Gonzalez, a retail strategist, discusses the transformation and innovation in retail marketing. Emphasizing the role of in-store experiences, the conversation revolves around modern retail trends and strategies. The podcast features insights on how brands can stay competitive and capture consumer attention.

  • 01Innovative in-store experiences are crucial for modern retail success.
  • 02Retailers need to focus on creating dynamic environments to attract consumers.
  • 03Staying competitive requires adaptive retail strategies.

Aug 5, 2026

AI-influenced retail ecommerce is on track to reshape how enterprise merchandisers plan and buy

AI-influenced retail ecommerce is on track to reshape how enterprise merchandisers plan and buy

AI is transitioning from a support role to a key player in driving online retail sales, affecting staffing, sourcing, and forecasting strategies for enterprise merchandisers. This shift presents significant changes in the retail industry, especially regarding how businesses plan and execute purchasing strategies. Retailers must adapt to AI-influenced models to remain competitive.

  • 01AI is becoming a direct driver of online retail sales.
  • 02Retail enterprise merchandisers must adapt planning and buying strategies to incorporate AI advancements.
  • 03The impact of AI on staffing, sourcing, and forecasting is reshaping retail ecommerce.

Aug 5, 2026

Instacart's Arpalus acquisition puts computer vision at the center of AI-driven grocery retail

Instacart's Arpalus acquisition puts computer vision at the center of AI-driven grocery retail

Instacart has acquired the computer vision company Arpalus, highlighting the growing importance of AI-driven solutions in the grocery retail industry. This acquisition underscores a shift in how grocery operators are integrating technology to optimize operations and consumer experiences.

  • 01Instacart's acquisition of Arpalus signals a focus on AI-driven solutions in grocery retail.
  • 02Computer vision is increasingly central to the evolution of retail ecommerce.
  • 03Grocery operators are rethinking their technology investments and deployments.

Aug 5, 2026

Explore More Retail Insights

Read more expert perspectives from across Retail.

Browse Retail Hub

For B2B teams

Your experts could be publishing here

Stories like this one run on content MarketScale captures from real practitioners. See how your team's expertise becomes coverage in Retail and beyond.

Book a 15-minute demo

Or call us. No forms required. We pick up. 214-945-2512