RetailTech refers to the use of technology in retail to simplify, optimize, and digitalize processes. This not only saves time and costs but often reduces personnel expenses as well.
The applications of RetailTech are diverse: from self-service checkouts and autonomous stores to smart checkout systems and RFID tags on inventory, the market is constantly evolving. As a result, many solutions are emerging to make store managers’ lives easier and enhance the shopping experience for customers.
This year, Sescom returned to EuroCIS 2025, the leading retail tech trade fair in Germany, where the latest technological advancements in retail are showcased. From automation to personalization, predictive forecasting, and artificial intelligence—one thing is clear: retail is changing.
In this article, we share everything we learned about the newest RetailTech trends at EuroCIS! Starting with the definition of RetailTech, its current applications, and the benefits innovative retail technology offers facility managers.
Definition: What is RetailTech Nowadays?
RetailTech—also known as retail technology—has one main goal: to streamline workflows, improve processes, increase clarity, and reduce errors.
From artificial intelligence to the Internet of Things, RetailTech enhances retail by merging technology with manual processes.
Retail technologies include digital software, online platforms, or hardware innovations that simplify store management and process optimization.
Technology in retail serves the following purposes:
- Increase customer satisfaction
- Improve efficiency
- Optimize store profitability
Where is RetailTech Used?
RetailTech has a wide range of applications:
1. Faster checkout processes with self-service terminals
2. Supermarket apps for savings
3. Digital product labels and automatic remote scanning using RFID
4. Robotics, such as employee robots
RetailTech is integrated across the entire shopping experience and store management.
RetailTech in E-commerce
Innovative technology is also gaining traction in e-commerce, such as “buy now, pay later” (BNPL). Since 2019, BNPL adoption has skyrocketed.
These services continue expanding, particularly in online fashion stores like About You, supported by providers like Klarna and PayPal.
Chatbots that guide purchasing decisions or assist with product issues also fall under RetailTech. Many brands now use AI chatbots to optimize customer service.
RetailTech in Stores
From cashierless checkout stations in supermarkets to self-service terminals in fast-food restaurants and Scan&Go solutions (where customers scan and pay via smartphone), retailers are increasingly integrating technology into stores.
Digital signage, smart product labeling, and merchandise management apps are also popular. Fully autonomous stores—though still limited—are another example.
RetailTech also employs predictive forecasting tools. These estimate product demand based on historical data, preventing surpluses or shortages—especially helpful for seasonal preparation and reducing stockouts.
Technology is particularly useful for analyzing consumer behavior. Loyalty programs (e.g., bonus points or discounts) are also part of RetailTech.
Which Sub-Categories Belong to RetailTech?
RetailTech can be divided into several sub-categories. Here are the most relevant:
MarTech
Marketing technology combines software and services to optimize retail marketing and advertising. This includes social media, messenger-based customer communication, and app-based discount campaigns.
Fintech
Fintech merges financial services with technology, simplifying online payments. Examples include BNPL services in e-commerce.
Fintech companies use AI and blockchain to offer flexible, cost-efficient transaction solutions—modernizing traditional payment systems and improving customer experiences.
Commerce-Tech
Commerce technology focuses on payment and transaction processing, overlapping with Fintech. Examples include cashless payments and smart POS terminals. Sescom offers facility management services, including self-service terminals for stores.
Important RetailTech Terms You Should Know
RetailTech encompasses many concepts. Key buzzwords include:
AI or Artificial Intelligence
AI is used across RetailTech—from smart POS systems analyzing customer data for personalized recommendations to chatbots and guided selling in e-commerce.
Smart Point-of-Sale Systems (POS)
Intelligent POS terminals track inventory, award loyalty points, and create dynamic marketing offers based on time, location, or weather—all within one software.
Scan&Go Technologies
Scan&Go enables automated shopping, reducing staffing needs. Customers scan items via an app, pay automatically, and RFID tags deactivate upon exit.
Sescom specializes in RFID implementation, applying tags across multiple stores or countries.
Intelligent Sensor Technology
Smart sensors on shelves analyze consumer behavior, tracking product demand, removal times, and customer engagement. In automated stores, sensors link items to virtual carts for seamless checkout.
Predictive Analyses & Control
Predictive software evaluates purchasing behavior to tailor suggestions, improving customer relationships, store efficiency, and supply chain costs.
Contactless and Mobile Payment
Contactless payments (e.g., digital wallets, card tapping, or apps like Apple Pay) are now standard, simplifying cashless transactions.
What Are the Advantages of RetailTech in Retail?
The benefits of retail technology include:
- Improved customer experience through personalized recommendations
- Reduced checkout wait times with self-service terminals
- Lower staffing needs via Smart Stores and Scan&Go
- Targeted marketing campaigns using POS data
- Loyalty programs (discounts/bonus points)
- Faster stocktaking and theft prevention with RFID
- Seamless online/offline shopping via shelf sensors
- Enhanced customer service with AI chatbots
- Real-time inventory and demand analysis
Sescom – Your Partner in Facility Management
Ready to elevate your store with digitalization? Sescom specializes in technical building management, offering:
- RFID tagging
- Predictive HVAC control apps
- Building management systems
We handle everything from store openings/closures to maintenance and process digitalization.
Contact us today: sescom@sescom.eu
Our key account managers will respond immediately.
