Retail

Key trends and strategies in the retail sector.

Industries

Drivers of Change in Latin American Retail

The retail sector is in a state of constant evolution worldwide due to changes in consumer behavior, technological evolution, and increasing competition.

Since 2023, Artificial Intelligence has been leading the changes in the business model of various companies, and this year, consumers are showing greater receptiveness to the technology, according to the Future Shopper Report by Wunderman Thompson.

Companies are focusing on integrating advanced tools to improve operational efficiency and customer experience across all channels, from physical stores to e-commerce.

Latin America has more than 321 million digital shoppers, and this number is expected to exceed 364 million by 2025, according to Statista.

In countries like Mexico and Peru, retail sales have been growing by more than 5%, driven by demand for food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, beverages and tobacco.

Despite the challenges facing the retail sector, retailers have an opportunity to reassess their strategies and adapt to overcome economic difficulties.

Growth and demand until 2030

37.8 M

This is expected to be the size of the organized retail market in 2030.

50 %

Online marketplace spending is projected for 2025.

95 %

It expresses its desire to interact with its loyalty programs using cutting-edge technologies such as chatbots, artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and smart devices.

10 Strategic Challenges 2026

1

Rise of e-commerce

The continued growth of online shopping has led retailers to invest in e-commerce platforms. For example, according to Deloitte, more than 50% of internet users in the United States add products to their online shopping carts before completing the transaction.

2

Omnichannel retail

Integration of online and offline channels. Retailers offer a seamless shopping experience, whether in a physical store, on a mobile app, or on a website. This increases customer satisfaction and loyalty.

3

Personalized shopping experiences

Intelligent use of data to tailor the experience to each customer based on their history, preferences, and behavior. This includes personalized recommendations, relevant offers and content, dynamic segmentation, automated communication, and more targeted loyalty programs.

4

Sustainability and social responsibility

Greater focus on sustainable and ethical practices. Consumers increasingly value brands that care about the environment and the community. Example: Patagonia, which promotes sustainability and product reuse.

5

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

The impact of AI and ML on the retail industry will be transformative, from cost restructuring to the shopping experience. For example, generative AI drives creativity and innovation in design, while intelligent image recognition solutions streamline the material sourcing process.

6

Sustainability and circular economy

Sustainability is no longer just about reputation; it's becoming about efficiency and differentiation. Retailers will promote circular economy models, product and supplier traceability, and waste reduction in inventory and logistics. Furthermore, transparency in materials and the supply chain strengthens customer trust and improves regulatory compliance.

7

Supply chain diversification

Companies are seeking greater flexibility and adaptability in their supply chains, thereby reducing dependence on a single supplier or region. Zara, for example, diversifies its production across different countries to mitigate risks.

8

Immersive experiences and augmented reality

Physical stores are adopting technologies such as interactive mirrors, RFID tags, and augmented reality to improve customer experience and inventory management, personalizing purchases and optimizing internal operations.

9

Micro-warehouses and drones

Micro-warehouses located near urban areas will improve the efficiency of rapid deliveries. Furthermore, the use of drones for deliveries will become common practice for businesses, offering a fast and efficient solution for product distribution. These innovations in logistics and delivery aim not only to accelerate the shipping process but also to make it more environmentally friendly and efficient.

10

Self-contained, cashierless stores

Autonomous stores use sensors, cameras, and artificial intelligence to allow customers to shop without going through traditional checkout lines. These technologies track products, manage inventory, and enable automatic payments via mobile apps, streamlining the shopping experience and reducing staffing costs.

Our experts

Roberto Martínez Elizondo

Former executive in Organizational Development and Human Resources at companies such as Grupo Protexa, Aceromex, and Grupo Multimedios, among others. Holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, a Master's degree in Organizational Development, and a specialization in Family Business Management from the University of Monterrey (UDEM).

Boris Dimitrijevic

Marketing consultant specializing in various business groups in Latin America. Former Marketing Manager at Coca-Cola Peru. Ph.D. in International Business and Marketing from the Polytechnic University of Catalonia.

Héctor Díaz Saénz

Specialist in Leadership and Organizational Culture, accredited by Human Synergistics International. Performance Coach for Entrepreneurs. Ph.D. in Organizational Communication (with a specialization in Leadership and Organizational Culture), from the University of Texas at Austin.

Victor Carrera Torres

M.Sc. in International Business from Georgia State University. M.Sc. in Industrial Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology. Former executive at Coca-Cola, USA.

Eduardo Flores Montes

Industrial Engineer with a postgraduate degree in Operations Management from the University of Cologne, Germany. Former General Manager of Sudamericana de Fibras in Brazil; General Manager of Bayer Industrial in Peru; General Manager of Metalúrgica Peruana.

Luis Cantú González

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from CEU, Monterrey. Former Executive Director, Director of Administration and Finance, and Director of Control and Information Technologies at Grupo Protexa.

Jaime Alonso Gómez

Ph.D. in Administrative Sciences and Applied Economics from The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, USA. Consultant in Asia, the Americas, and Europe. Former Distinguished Visiting Professor at the following business schools: MIT, Harvard, California, and Austin, Texas.

José Luis Gorriti

MBA from ESAN, postgraduate degree in quality management from Osaka, Japan. Consultant specializing in strategic planning and balanced scorecards for business groups in Mexico, Peru, Brazil, Argentina, and Colombia. Former Executive and Board Member at Bayer Industrial Peru.

BLOG_-_AGOSTO_8_-_2023_Mesa_de_trabajo_1_copia_6

Learn More

Propel your organization towards success.

Get a free consultation with our world-class experts