The report below gives a good overview of the Winter 2025 M&A activity in the Consumer Retail Industry Sector. The global retail industry stands as a crucial pillar of the economy, including millions of enterprises and billions of consumers across different sectors such as food, clothing, electronics, and motor vehicles. Though physical retail is a significant force in this industry, e-commerce is rapidly gaining attention and is expected to grow by 56 % over the next 5 years, reaching a total of $8.2 trillion by 2026. Consequently, there has been a boom in hybrid models, both online and offline, to meet higher levels of consumer expectations in terms of convenience and flexibility. Meanwhile, the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence (AI), followed closely by the Internet of Things (IoT) and augmented reality (AR), has brought immense change in the era of retail. Therefore, the impact of these advanced technologies on businesses will be significant. AI for personalization, IoT for surreal inventory control, and AR for try-outs in virtual lands are those that increase customer engagement and satisfaction making a new standard in the industry. Sustainability is slowly gaining the focus area across various sectors including the fashion industry. Nowadays many customers are looking into eco-friendly options and ethical practices, making brands rethink their impact on the planet. Transformative technologies continuously set the new age retail for growth as the consumer's demand increases for an omnichannel experience. One of the technologies that is gaining momentum is generative AI. According to a study by KPMG, 57% of retail executives are conducting research into generative AI for efficiency optimization and advanced innovation. According to the ReportLinkers market report, the global retail market will reach $37.7 billion by 2027, driven by the close integration of technology, sustainability, and personalization which transforms retail and shapes the future.
Posted by Joseph P. Sands.