Retail Tech Trends Every Brand Should Know

Luxury Retail’s Next Chapter: Technology as a Growth Engine

Luxury retailers are investing more in technology than ever before. According to a recent Bain & Company report, brands now spend on average 3% of revenue on tech, but many still feel under-equipped to deliver their strategy. Too much investment is tied up in “run” (maintaining systems) rather than “change” (transformative growth initiatives).

For luxury, the challenge is clear: how to choose technology solutions that drive measurable business impact, deepen customer relationships, and prepare the brand for the future.

Here are some top takeaways, and things to look out for when you embark on your next tech journey (spoiler alert: a clienteling solution will tick all your boxes!):

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1. Technology Must Deliver ROI

Luxury executives want proof that technology moves the needle. Bain’s research shows that fewer than 40% of brands feel confident they have the capabilities to execute their digital strategies.

Proximity’s clienteling software directly links to measurable outcomes like higher customer lifetime value (CLV), increased average transaction value (ATV), and improved sales productivity. Our dashboards show real-time ROI, so retail leaders can see the impact of clienteling on revenue and loyalty.

Click here to watch our latest video case studies with our clients, and hear their success stories

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2. Investment Is Shifting to Data, AI, and Core Systems

The first wave of digital investment focused heavily on customer-facing platforms such as e-commerce and omnichannel marketing. Bain highlights a shift: the next wave is deeper, focusing on data, AI, and core operational systems.

Proximity isn’t just a front-end engagement tool. We act as a bridge between customer experience and operational systems, turning raw data into actionable insights store associates can use to personalise every interaction.

Click here to read why our Retail Super-App is the ultimate tool for store associates.

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3. Simplification Is a Strategic Priority

Many luxury brands are weighed down by complex, fragmented technology stacks. Bain identifies platform rationalisation as a critical step for growth.

Proximity simplifies retail operations by bringing appointments, events, transactions, and clienteling into a single platform. Fewer silos means lower IT overhead and a unified view of the customer journey.

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4. Retailers Expect Strategic Partners, Not Just Vendors

With in-house tech talent in short supply, luxury retailers depend on vendors, but they’re demanding more than just software. They want partners who understand luxury and bring expertise to the table.

At Proximity we go beyond technology. It’s a partnership. We build a culture for successful adoption and growth while delivering the solution that better enables you to achieve your goals and achieve retail excellence.

Click here to read about our Retail Excellence operating model.

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5. Executive Alignment Shapes Tech Success

Bain stresses that technology investments succeed when CEOs and CIOs align on priorities and strategy. Without this, investments fail to scale.

Proximity speaks both boardroom and IT language, focusing on personalisation, efficiency, and brand storytelling. Our product roadmap focuses on themes that define the future of luxury, and align executives to drive success.

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The Future of Luxury Technology Is Personal

Bain’s research underlines a truth luxury brands can’t ignore: technology isn’t just a cost, it’s a strategic growth driver.

Clienteling sits at the heart of this transformation. By connecting data, enabling personalised service, and proving measurable ROI, platforms like Proximity empower luxury retailers to turn every customer interaction into a growth opportunity.

In luxury retail, the future belongs to brands that make every relationship personal.