In the Face of Pandemic, Retail Industry Makes a Strong Digital Pivot
More than three-quarters of retail companies report the pandemic has not had a heavy impact on planned IT projects, and they’re forging ahead with strategic digital initiatives to drive growth, customer-centricity and operational improvements.
The COVID-19 pandemic had a tremendous effect on the retail industry, but some companies are using it as an opportunity to accelerate digital technology initiatives. Indeed, rather than impede important initiatives, more than three-quarters of retailers responding to a recent IDG survey report the pandemic has had no lasting impact on their technology plans.
When the pandemic hit in force in early 2020, many retailers had to make fast, and in some cases extreme, pivots to digital sales. While “essential” retailer segments such as supermarkets and home improvement were allowed to keep stores open, many others were shuttered for a time and/or forced to severely limit customer visits.