2026 Connected Retail Experience Study Findings

This report presents the findings of the 2026 Connected Retail Experience Study, conducted by Verizon and Cisco, focusing on the digital transformation of retail stores. The study surveyed 124 retail executives to understand technology priorities, challenges, and the adoption of in-store technology over the past five years. Key areas of investigation include the challenges driving technology investments, progress in personalization and AI adoption, and the readiness of network infrastructures to support AI and IoT demands. The report outlines that while AI is recognized as essential for future competitiveness, its adoption remains low, with significant barriers such as poor data integration and a lack of specialized talent. Retailers are increasingly prioritizing mobile tools and AI-driven solutions to enhance associate productivity and address staffing challenges. The findings indicate a pressing need for upgraded network infrastructures to facilitate these technological advancements and improve operational efficiency in retail environments.