Large retailers have automated point of sale and stocktaking with warehousing and ordering. Now through the use of customer profile generated loyalty cards, credit cards and other profiling systems, retailers are looking for ways to engage with customers sustainably.

AI is enabling large retailers to respond to individual profiles of customers assembled from buying history, location, financial status etc to create offers that match individual interest and need.

IoT location technologies can deliver instant promotions and product reviews as customers move through an airport, shopping centre or store, using smart phones or other devices.

Jobs in the Retail sector are challenged by online ecommerce services of all kinds, though ecommerce sales are still less than 10% overall.

Any product that comes in a standard package or box is most threatened. Any product that is unique, fresh, local, specialised or customised is least threatened.

Smaller retailers find it harder to respond due to smaller customer base, lower investment in technology and increased challenges from international franchises and players using a mix of brick and mortar stores supported by online marketing and sales.

Amazon and Alibaba are the biggest local threat.

Retail has been through many evolutions in its history and digital is just the latest. Traditional high street retail is contracting all over the world.