The retail sector has continued to experience an abundance of challenges within the past decade. Without question, these challenges were only exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, which not only led to global retailers pausing operations but many closing their doors for good. As a result, retailers were forced to adapt and quickly implement new tools and processes to navigate the changing ecosystem.
Though retail continues to bounce back, the industry is still experiencing the lasting effects of COVID-19, including significant labor shortages across the sector. Additionally, new challenges around the cost of living and ever-changing customer expectations have arisen within the past year. The retail industry needs to consider how it negotiates these new threats.
Undoubtedly, many retailers will still be suffering from the long-term impacts of the pandemic. With that in mind, SML RFID commissioned an independent research report analyzing the current trends and challenges impacting daily retail operations. Surveying more than 500 senior decisionmakers from apparel retailers within the U.S. and U.S., this report aims to uncover how retailers are traversing the long-term implications and hurdles following the pandemic and beyond.