2025 RETAIL CFO OUTLOOK SURVEY

Retail Industry Trends Point to Renewed Focus on Profitability

How will technology help retailers reach growth goals?

Following a year of strong revenues but shrinking profit margins, retail CFOs are looking to close the gap in 2025. To fuel long-term growth while protecting the bottom line, retailers are harnessing the power of artificial intelligence (AI) and other advanced technologies.

The 2025 Retail CFO Outlook Survey polled 100 retail CFOs to understand their plans and priorities for the year ahead. The research uncovers steps retailers are taking to future proof their business amid accelerating disruption and geopolitical uncertainty.

Ultimately, retailers best positioned for success will be those that master the balance between customer-centric digital innovation and operational efficiency.

Learn more about the retail industry trends underway in 2025 by downloading our 2025 Retail CFO Outlook Survey.

Preview highlights from the full report below.

Report Highlights

Closing the Profitability Gap

While retailers remain bullish about revenue growth this year, less than half (47%) anticipate an increase in profitability. To optimize costs, retailers are reassessing their store footprint, shuttering stores, and divesting non-core assets. 

38% of retailers saw profitability gains in 2024, down from 70% in 2023.

Is your business thriving or just surviving?

Take our Retail Health Assessment to determine where your organizational performance stands amid a rapidly changing retail landscape. 

76% of retailers have a defined approach to using generative AI.

Future Proofing Through Technology

Retailers are prioritizing the responsible adoption of generative AI as part of a broader effort to future proof their businesses. Top use cases include optimizing pricing strategies, developing hyper-personalized content, and analyzing customer behavior to enhance the customer experience. 

Retailers are bullish on their ability to attract customers, but is consumer interest converting to sales?

Explore the innovative and advanced ways retailers are embracing technology to capture attention and improve results in our Future Proof Retail experience.

Building Supply Chain Resilience

Inventory shortages and demand variability continue to plague the industry, as anticipated shifts in trade policy add to retailers’ margin woes. To improve inventory health, overall supply chain resilience, and operational efficiencies, retailers plan to invest in new capabilities like demand forecasting tools and predictive risk monitoring.

95% of retailers are already deploying or plan to deploy AI, machine learning, or generative AI as part of their efforts to leverage supply chain technologies.

AI isn’t the only technology poised to revolutionize the retail supply chain.

Discover how retailers are creating tech-enhanced and data-driven distribution centers through our immersive Future Proof Retail experience.

In 2025, success won't come from pricing adjustments, but from mastering the delicate balance and application of inventory optimization, AI integration, and customer intelligence. As retailers plan to increase spending across digital channels and supply chain technology, we see encouraging signs of a sustainable growth path ahead.
Natalie Kotlyar
Assurance Principal; National Retail & Consumer Products Practice Leader