The next era of retail isn’t just about digital transformation — it’s about connection. As expectations rise and operations get more complex, it’s time to rethink how stores communicate, collaborate and perform.
2026 is the year global retail IT spending is expected to reach $240.7 billion*, and the retailers leading the investment wave are building smart, responsive store ecosystems that unite people, data and devices in real time.
That’s why we’ve created our latest trend report, Retail technology trends 2026: Building smarter, more connected stores, your essential guide to the innovations transforming physical retail and redefining what it means to be truly connected.
Inside, you’ll discover:
- The key technologies defining the future of in-store retail, from agentic AI to voice-first communication
- How edge computing and connected ecosystems are powering the next generation of intelligent stores
- How ethical AI and cybersecurity are becoming the foundation of customer trust
- Practical steps to turn connection into a competitive advantage in your stores
What is x-hoppers?
x-hoppers is a complete retail communication system that brings together hands-free headsets, built-in telephony, AI assistance and AI-powered analytics. Powered by Wildix, a leading UCaaS vendor with 20 years of industry experience, x-hoppers gives your store colleagues a direct link to the people, systems and data that drive performance.
By capturing real-time communication data across your stores, x-hoppers turns everyday conversations into actionable insights. From identifying recurring issues to tracking response times and knowledge gaps, our analytics tools reveal what’s really happening on your shop floor — so you can take action, fast.
*Source: Gartner: Forecast: Enterprise IT spending for the retail market, worldwide, 2020-2026
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