IoT in Retail Market Size & Share 2018 - 2024
Market Size by Platform (Network Management, Device Management, Application Management), by Technology (Sensors, RFID, Connectivity Technology), by Component (Hardware, Software [Data Management, Streaming Analytics, Security, Remote Monitoring, Bandwidth Management], Service [Professional Service, Managed Service]), by Application (Digital Signage, Supply Chain Management, Payment, Smart Shelf & Doors), Industry Analysis Report, Regional Outlook, Application Potential, Price Trends, Competitive Market Share & Forecast.
Report ID: GMI1591
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Published Date: September 2017
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Report Format: PDF
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Authors:
Suraj Gujar, Ankita Chavan
IoT in Retail Market Size
IoT in Retail Market size valued at USD 10 billion in 2017 and will grow at a CAGR of over 19% from 2018 to 2024.
The growing focus of global retail companies and stores to transform into experience-based retailers by adopting IoT technology is driving the IoT in retail market growth. With the implementation of AR, VR, and data analytics tools, retailers can enhance online & in-store shopping experience and gain a high customer base. Increased adoption of digitization & automation across various industries including the retail sector to gain the operational efficiency benefits is adding up to the demand. The benefits associated with these technologies including strategies for new product development, existing product performance, and optimizing the store layout are compelling retailers across the globe to adopt IoT solutions. Additionally, continuous technical enhancements in network platforms, devices, and professional services that aid in improving the store management efficiency will support the market growth.
The lack of knowledge & awareness among retailers in small & technically backward economies is a factor limiting the industry growth. Store owners and supermarkets in these countries are unaware of the benefits associated with internet-based technologies and have limited investment capabilities. The rapid development of the global retail industry and the popularity of digitized products will help in overcoming these issues over the forecast timespan.
IoT in Retail Market Analysis
The network management platform in the IoT in retail market is expected to grow at over 21% CAGR from 2017 to 2024. The platform offers opportunities to service providers to serve the consumers better by managing the complex network issues. Network management platforms are gaining popularity to cater to the increasing demands for connected network and devices. The electronic devices, such as computers & printers in the IoT solutions, require timely monitoring and maintenance owing to the connectivity threats. Companies offer efficient network management platforms to IoT consumers, aiding them in saving maintenance costs and keeping the IoT networks upgraded. For instance, in February 2019, Cisco announced the launch of its IoT-enabled hardware, which offers intent-based networking and can be operated through the Cisco DNA Center.
IoT platforms deliver large amounts of data to the connected devices and communication networks by deploying several sensors such as temperature, image, proximity, pressure, chemical, level, and IR sensors. Different sensing components offer varied advantages in several applications including automotive, retail, electronics, etc. The declining cost of sensors across the globe enables companies to deploy them in even smaller internet-based solutions. The key function of these components in enhanced devices is to collect the surrounding information and forward it to management systems. For instance, image sensors in the retail industry monitor customer visits in stores through the connected network and notify the staff to provide better customer assistance.
Companies providing IoT platforms and solutions offer several professional services that include installation, consulting, and training for the retailers. These companies also provide managed services such as maintenance, upgrades, and repairing of the IoT offerings. These managed services are provided to global customers through the company’s direct facilities or third-party dealers. A major segment in service provision is independent IoT service providers that include certified personnel and trained individuals. For instance, IBM Corporation provides enterprise asset management & facilities management services for the retail segment through its professional and expert employees.
Smart shelves and doors segment are expected to grow at a CAGR of over 16% from 2017 to 2024. These are increasingly deployed in the supermarkets, shopping malls, and grocery stores to gain an advantage of the automated product tracking systems. RFID readers, tags, and antenna are the key components of smart shelves that provide real-time in-store inventory data to retailers. These solutions automatically alert store managers to refill the inventory & dispose the expired products. The smart shelves also provide customer behavior insights to the retailers by monitoring information about product movements. The information is used to judge customer purchase and aid them in improving future purchases.
The European retail sector is witnessing the impact of IoT solutions in terms of logistics & inventory management and an enhanced shopping experience. The deployment of IoT-based devices, such as sensors, self & automated checkout systems, and Wi-Fi-enabled machines, offers better connectivity in retail stores. To overcome challenges such as heterogeneous demands and low levels of customization options, retailers in Europe are adopting IoT solutions. Additionally, the development of the retail industry, which includes companies providing food, DIY, electronics, fashion, etc., in Western Europe is driving the implementation of these solutions. The developments in the European retail industry are due to changes in demographic structures such as increased population, convenient shopping options, and the emergence of e-commerce. IoT-based retail solutions are deployed in the major retail stores such as Walmart, Tesco, The Home Depot, Target Corp., etc.
IoT in Retail Market Share
Prominent players operating in the IoT in retail market include:
IoT companies are investing increasingly in the research & development process, opening doors for startups to develop new and innovative platforms and encouraging several small players to enter the retail segment. For instance, in April 2018, Microsoft Corporation announced that it will invest USD 5 billion over the next four years in the IoT technology.
Industry Background
The IoT in retail market is highly competitive with the presence of several tech companies, component, and service providers. The industry includes a large number of components and raw material suppliers owing to which the industry is witnessing an intense competition. In this case, companies resort to providing premium-quality products at reasonable prices with low price differentiation from their competitors to strengthen their foothold in the industry. In order to digitize the supply chains, many retailers are turning to IoT in combination with other digital technologies. These technologies enable the end users to transform their supply chains to manage inventory in real-time, secure end-to-end supply.
Research methodology, data sources & validation process
This report draws on a structured research process built around direct industry conversations, proprietary modelling, and rigorous cross-validation and not just desk research.
Our 6-step research process
1. Research design & analyst oversight
At GMI, our research methodology is built on a foundation of human expertise, rigorous validation, and complete transparency. Every insight, trend analysis, and forecast in our reports is developed by experienced analysts who understand the nuances of your market.
Our approach integrates extensive primary research through direct engagement with industry participants and experts, complemented by comprehensive secondary research from verified global sources. We apply quantified impact analysis to deliver dependable forecasts, while maintaining complete traceability from original data sources to final insights.
2. Primary research
Primary research forms the backbone of our methodology, contributing nearly 80% to overall insights. It involves direct engagement with industry participants to ensure accuracy and depth in analysis. Our structured interview program covers regional and global markets, with inputs from C-suite executives, directors, and subject matter experts. These interactions provide strategic, operational, and technical perspectives, enabling well-rounded insights and reliable market forecasts.
3. Data mining & market analysis
Data mining is a key part of our research process, contributing nearly 20% to the overall methodology. It involves analysing market structure, identifying industry trends, and assessing macroeconomic factors through revenue share analysis of major players. Relevant data is collected from both paid and unpaid sources to build a reliable database. This information is then integrated to support primary research and market sizing, with validation from key stakeholders such as distributors, manufacturers, and associations.
4. Market sizing
Our market sizing is built on a bottom-up approach, starting with company revenue data gathered directly through primary interviews, alongside production volume figures from manufacturers and installation or deployment statistics. These inputs are then pieced together across regional markets to arrive at a global estimate that stays grounded in actual industry activity.
5. Forecast model & key assumptions
Every forecast includes explicit documentation of:
✓ Key growth drivers and their assumed impact
✓ Restraining factors and mitigation scenarios
✓ Regulatory assumptions and policy change risk
✓ Technology adoption curve parameter
✓ Macroeconomic assumptions (GDP growth, inflation, currency)
✓ Competitive dynamics and market entry/exit expectations
6. Validation & quality assurance
The final stages involve human validation, where domain experts manually review filtered data to identify nuances and contextual errors that automated systems might miss. This expert review adds a critical layer of quality assurance, ensuring data aligns with research objectives and domain-specific standards.
Our triple-layer validation process ensures maximum data reliability:
✓ Statistical Validation
✓ Expert Validation
✓ Market Reality Check
Trust & credibility
Verified data sources
Trade publications
Security & defense sector journals and trade press
Industry databases
Proprietary and third-party market databases
Regulatory filings
Government procurement records and policy documents
Academic research
University studies and specialist institution reports
Company reports
Annual reports, investor presentations, and filings
Expert interviews
C-suite, procurement leads, and technical specialists
GMI archive
13,000+ published studies across 30+ industry verticals
Trade data
Import/export volumes, HS codes, and customs records
Parameters studied & evaluated
Every data point in this report is validated through primary interviews, true bottom-up modelling, and rigorous cross-checks. Read about our research process →