Retail is in the midst of a profound transformation. Consumer expectations are shifting at unprecedented speed, driven by digital innovation, new shopping behaviors, and the relentless pace of technological change. For retailers—whether in grocery, specialty, department stores, big box, or B2B—the challenge is clear: adapt quickly or risk falling behind. At Publicis Sapient, we help retailers not only keep pace but lead the charge, modernizing IT systems, unifying data, and optimizing supply chains to deliver seamless, profitable, and future-ready experiences.
Grocery retailers face the dual challenge of delivering a highly digital experience while maintaining the operational rigor required for fresh, fast-moving goods. Shoppers expect real-time inventory, frictionless checkout, and flexible fulfillment options like click-and-collect or delivery. Meeting these demands requires deep connectivity between supply chain and store, powered by unified data and agile IT systems.
Specialty retailers must stand out in a crowded market by offering hyper-personalized experiences, social selling, and loyalty programs that drive repeat business and reduce returns. The key is leveraging data to understand customer preferences and deploying technology that enables seamless, omnichannel journeys.
Department stores are under pressure to compete with pure-play online retailers. Success hinges on delivering a frictionless omnichannel experience—blending the best of in-store and digital, supported by tools and data-driven content that reinforce unique brand identities.
Big box retailers must remove operational silos to connect data across the enterprise, ensuring inventory accuracy and meeting shopper expectations for buy-online-pickup-in-store (BOPIS), curbside, and delivery. Modernizing legacy systems and integrating digital platforms are essential to delivering on these promises.
Industrial, warehousing, and distribution players are expected to provide B2C-like digital experiences while maintaining the personal relationships that drive large-scale sales. Harnessing data to personalize interactions and streamline complex buying journeys is critical.
Legacy systems can’t keep up with today’s pace of change. We help retailers modernize their technology stacks, enabling speed, agility, and scalability. This foundation allows for rapid deployment of new features, seamless integration of digital and physical channels, and the ability to pivot quickly as market conditions evolve.
Retailers are sitting on mountains of data, but the real value comes from unifying, analyzing, and acting on it. We implement platforms and processes that democratize data across the organization, making it accessible and actionable for everyone—from the C-suite to the store floor. This enables smarter decision-making, more personalized customer experiences, and the identification of new revenue streams.
A digitally enabled supply chain is essential for meeting customer expectations around fulfillment, transparency, and efficiency. We help retailers reimagine their supply chains as growth levers, leveraging real-time data and automation to provide more fulfillment options, improve transparency, and drive operational efficiency.
E-commerce is no longer a cost center—it’s a growth engine. We help retailers design shopper-centered experiences and implement the technology needed to drive profitability. This includes optimizing digital merchandising, streamlining checkout, and integrating fulfillment options that delight customers while controlling costs.
Data is at the heart of modern retail. We empower retailers to unify and analyze their data, adapting quickly to changing regulations and customer expectations. By connecting data across channels, retailers can improve the customer experience, drive loyalty, and unlock new business value.
The store of the future is a seamless blend of digital and physical. By connecting supply chain, online shopping, and customer identity, retailers can create in-store experiences that delight customers, reward loyalty, and generate valuable data for continuous improvement. From self-checkout innovations to personalized in-store recommendations, we help retailers reimagine the role of the store in a digital world.
With over 30 years of experience in digital business transformation, Publicis Sapient is uniquely positioned to help retailers navigate complexity and seize new opportunities. Our multidisciplinary teams bring together strategy, technology, experience, and data to deliver solutions that are both innovative and practical. We partner with retailers to build the capabilities needed to stay relevant—now and next.
Ready to lead the next era of retail? Connect with our retail experts to start your transformation journey.