The smart retail market is rapidly evolving as retailers integrate cutting-edge technologies to enhance customer experiences and optimize operations. AI-powered analytics, IoT-enabled automation, and digital payment solutions are transforming traditional retail into an intelligent, data-driven ecosystem. Companies leading this transformation offer innovations like cashier-less stores, predictive inventory management, interactive digital signage, and smart POS systems. Kings Research estimates the global smart retail market will reach 160.47 billion by 2031 due to advancements in AI, IoT, and automation, improving customer experience and operational efficiency. This blog explores the 15 key players at the forefront of the smart retail market and delivering technologies that redefine how consumers shop and businesses operate.
15 Key Players in the Smart Retail Market
1. Amazon.com
Amazon has pioneered smart retail with innovations like Amazon Go, a cashier-less store concept using AI, computer vision, and sensor fusion for seamless shopping. The company’s Just Walk Out technology eliminates checkout lines, while Amazon Web Services (AWS) powers cloud-based retail analytics and automation for businesses worldwide.
In April 2024, Amazon announced strategic updates to its checkout-free technologies, focusing on enhancing the shopping experience across various store formats. The company introduced the Amazon Dash Cart to larger grocery stores, aiming to provide a seamless and efficient shopping experience for customers. The Amazon Dash Cart is a smart shopping cart equipped with advanced computer vision technology, similar to Amazon's Just Walk Out system. This innovation allows customers to shop without the need for traditional checkout lines, streamlining the purchasing process.
2. Cisco Systems, Inc.
Cisco is one of the leading players in the smart retail market that provides IoT-driven retail solutions, including real-time inventory tracking, smart surveillance, and in-store analytics. Its Meraki platform enhances connectivity and security for retailers, optimizing store performance and customer engagement through AI-powered insights.
3. Honeywell International Inc.
Honeywell specializes in automated retail solutions, offering barcode scanners, RFID-enabled inventory tracking, and intelligent point-of-sale (POS) systems. Its mobile computing devices enhance workforce productivity, while AI-driven automation improves supply chain efficiency.
4. Google LLC
Google is one of the leading players in the smart retail market and offers AI-powered advertising, personalized shopping experiences, and Google Cloud Retail AI for predictive analytics. Its Google Lens feature allows consumers to search for products visually, enhancing omnichannel shopping experiences.
5. Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.
Huawei delivers smart retail solutions through AI-powered customer insights, 5G-enabled connectivity, and cloud-based data management. The company’s FusionInsight analytics platform helps retailers optimize supply chains and personalize marketing strategies.
6. IBM
IBM is a leader in AI-driven retail analytics, offering Watson AI for personalized shopping experiences and demand forecasting. Its blockchain solutions enhance supply chain transparency, while IBM Cloud supports retailers with secure and scalable digital transformation tools.
7. Intel Corporation
Intel powers the smart retail ecosystem with AI-driven checkout systems, edge computing for in-store analytics, and IoT-powered inventory management. Its Retail Edge AI Platform helps businesses enhance customer engagement and operational efficiency.
8. NCR Voyix Corporation
NCR Voyix is a leader in point-of-sale (POS) solutions in the smart retail market. The company also self-checkout systems, and digital banking services. The company’s retail automation technologies streamline transactions, improve inventory accuracy, and enhance omnichannel shopping experiences.
9. NVIDIA Corporation
NVIDIA enables AI-powered retail innovations with its Deep Learning AI and computer vision technologies. Retailers use NVIDIA’s GPU-powered analytics for customer behavior prediction, automated checkout systems, and interactive digital signage.
10. Walmart
Walmart is a key player in smart retail market, integrating AI, robotics, and IoT for supply chain optimization and frictionless shopping. Its automated fulfillment centers, smart inventory tracking, and cashier-less store experiments enhance efficiency and convenience.
In October 2023, Walmart enhanced its holiday shopping experience by implementing an AI-powered inventory management system. This system utilizes artificial intelligence and machine learning to analyze historical data, predict demand, and optimize the placement of holiday items across distribution centers, fulfillment centers, and stores. By integrating insights from both physical and digital sales channels, Walmart ensures that customers can easily find desired products during the holiday season.
11. NXP Semiconductors
NXP provides contactless payment solutions, RFID-based smart inventory systems, and IoT-powered retail automation. Its smart sensor technology enables secure, efficient transactions and real-time supply chain tracking.
12. PAX Technology
PAX is one of the leading players in the smart retail market that specializes in next-generation payment terminals, offering smart POS solutions with biometric authentication, digital wallets, and cloud-based transaction analytics. Its self-service kiosks enhance in-store customer experiences.
In September 2023, PAX Technology introduced the A6650, the world's first IP67-rated Android SmartPOS PDA, at Paris Retail Week. This innovative device combines a ruggedized mobile payment solution with a personal digital assistant, offering retailers enhanced durability and functionality. The A6650 is designed to endure harsh environments, featuring an IP67 rating that confirms protection against dust and water immersion. Its robust construction reduces the need for frequent repairs and replacements, leading to cost savings for retailers.
13. SAMSUNG
Samsung drives smart retail through interactive digital displays, AI-powered customer insights, and smart signage solutions. Its Samsung Knox platform enhances security for mobile payments and retail transactions.
In January 2025, Samsung showcased its latest retail solutions at the National Retail Federation (NRF) 2025 conference, emphasizing the integration of advanced displays, artificial intelligence (AI), and software to create a data-driven display ecosystem aimed at transforming retail experiences. Key products included AI-powered Samsung Kiosks with voice-enabled ordering and checkout, and the Samsung Color E-Paper, a battery-powered, eco-friendly display offering up to 60,000 vibrant colors.
14. Oracle
Oracle is one of the leading players in the smart retail market that offers cloud-based retail solutions, AI-driven demand forecasting, and autonomous database technology for optimized inventory management. Its Retail Suite supports omnichannel strategies and personalized shopping experiences.
15. Microsoft
Microsoft revolutionizes smart retail with AI-driven customer insights, cloud-based retail analytics, and Azure-powered digital transformation tools. The company’s Dynamics 365 for Retail enables businesses to optimize operations and improve customer engagement.
Conclusion
The smart retail market is transforming how businesses engage with customers, streamline operations, and improve efficiency. These 15 companies are driving the industry forward with AI, IoT, edge computing, and digital payment innovations. As technology advances, retailers will continue adopting automated solutions, contactless transactions, and data-driven decision-making, making smart retail the future of the shopping experience.
