Global Scans · Retail · Weekly Summary

• [New] 65% of retail jobs could be automated by 2025, creating significant organizational challenges beyond pure technology implementation. Acticsledge
• [New] Despite remarkable success stories, AI implementation in retail faces significant challenges that explain why Harvard Business Review estimates 80% of AI projects fail to deliver expected value. Acticsledge
• [New] Pure-play online retailers show highest growth at 19.8% CAGR through 2030, leveraging AI advantages in digital-first operations without legacy system constraints. Acticsledge
• [New] One-third of retail executives are already using AI to forecast and analyze demand, while 34% expect it to play a major role in sustaining or growing profits over the next two years. Forbes
• [New] By 2030, retail media will be among the largest paid media investment categories, with global retail media spending reaching twice the level of global television ad spending. Forrester
• [New] Retail sales for November and December are forecast to rise 4% to USD 975 billion, below the 10-year average growth of 5.2%. Retail Slop
• [New] Over 15% of total holiday spending will come before November, per forecasts from PwC, making October critical for retailers aiming to capture early demand. Modern Retail
• [New] U.S. President Donald Trump's threat of additional 100% tariffs on Chinese imports has sounded alarm bells among retail and trade experts, who caution it could lead to more price increases and squeeze demand. SeafoodNews
• [New] US import cargo volumes at major ports are expected to drop below 2 million TEU monthly for the rest of 2025 as tariffs rise and retailers remain well-stocked. Fibre2Fashion
• [New] E-commerce is expected to account for 20.5% of global retail sales in 2025, rising to 23.7% by 2030. demandsage
• [New] By 2025, 21% of retail purchases are expected to be made online, rising to 22.6% by 2027. demandsage
• [New] Bain & Company forecasts a 4% rise in US holiday retail sales for 2025, below the 10-year average, signalling cautious consumer sentiment. Fibre2Fashion
• By 2025, mobile devices will account for an even larger share of global retail e-commerce sales. Enhencer.com
• Online retail will account for 20.1% of total retail sales in 2024, rising to 24% by 2025, reflecting a global shift to digital shopping. Enhencer.com
• The Philippines will see an increase of 23% in retail ecommerce sales. Shopify
• Online sales are expected to continue rising and take a larger piece of total retail sales, making up 20.5% in 2025 and climbing to 22.5% by 2028. Shopify
• Ecommerce sales in 2026 are expected to make up 21.1% of total retail sales. Shopify
• Online stores are speculated to showcase a considerable CAGR through 2032 due to their ability to cater to high-income, tech-savvy customers who emphasize personalized digital experiences, exclusivity, and convenience. Persistence Market Research
• Multi-brand stores are expected to generate a 28.5% share in 2025 as consumers prefer comparison shopping before high-ticket purchases. Persistence Market Research
• Seven out of ten retail executives anticipate having AI capabilities for personalization in place in 2025. FinancialContent

Last updated: 16 October 2025