Consumer demands and expectations have long dictated the changes that come to the retail landscape. To stay afloat and meet their increasing needs, the retail industry is constantly evolving and facing both new challenges as well as opportunities spurred by the emergence of new technologies.

Today, customers value service and customization more than ever. Most retailers are starting to provide much more convenience and personalization than before. Similarly, with the rise of AI and emerging technologies, businesses have begun to find ways to streamline the shopping experience online and on site.

But, why is the adoption of new approaches important? Brick and mortar stores, for example, are not the alluring staples of the retail world that they once were. Not in the same way at least.

On the other hand, the blows they suffered due to the rise of e-commerce allowed some businesses to reach record sales and connect with a much wider audience than ever before. For the businesses that were open to transition fully or partially online, the trade-off may have been worth it.

This simple example illustrates how brands who want to remain successful must always be aware of the evolution of relevant technology and consumer tastes. They must also be open to considering the adoption of these new alternatives if the market trends suggest so.

Here are some of the top retail business trends and top retail technology trends to keep an eye on for 2019: