Global Technology Report 2026: Consumer & Retail – KPMG

The consumer and retail sector is at a technological crossroads. KPMG's recent Global Technology Report 2026 highlights the trends that will define the next decade for companies operating in these markets. From hyper-personalization to supply chain optimization, the report highlights that the adoption of emerging technologies is no longer a strategic option, but a requirement for competitive survival.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is consolidating itself as the transversal axis of transformation. The report notes that organizations that have integrated generative AI and AI agents into their customer service and inventory management processes report efficiency gains of more than 30%. However, he warns that success does not depend only on technology, but on the ability of companies to redesign their workflows and align data governance. This is where Q2BSTUDIO, as a software and technology development company, offers solutions that go beyond one-time implementation. Our approach combines artificial intelligence for business with a deep understanding of the retail sector, allowing our clients to develop bespoke applications that are tailored to their specific needs.

Another of the pillars that KPMG highlights is the migration to cloud infrastructures. The 2026 report forecasts that 70% of retail workloads will run in hybrid or multicloud environments. The flexibility offered by AWS and Azure cloud services allows companies to scale their operations quickly and securely, while reducing operational costs. At Q2BSTUDIO we have accompanied multiple retail chains in their transition to the cloud, guaranteeing not only business continuity, but also the protection of sensitive data through comprehensive cybersecurity strategies.

Cybersecurity, in fact, ranks high in KPMG's analysis. With the rise of digital touchpoints (mobile apps, interactive kiosks, in-store IoT), the attack surface has expanded considerably. The report recommends adopting zero-trust security frameworks and conducting regular audits. Companies that incorporate cybersecurity services from the design phase—such as those we offer at Q2BSTUDIO—significantly reduce the risk of breaches and ensure consumer confidence.

Business intelligence (BI) is also emerging as a critical differentiator. The KPMG report highlights that companies that use tools such as Power BI to analyze purchasing patterns, inventory turnover, and multichannel behavior achieve a sustainable competitive advantage. The business intelligence services we provide at Q2BSTUDIO enable retailers to turn raw data into actionable dashboards, facilitating real-time decision-making. In addition, we integrate these capabilities with bespoke software systems that automate repetitive processes, from invoicing to promotion management.

Process automation, another focus of the report, is accelerating thanks to the maturation of AI agents. These autonomous assistants not only manage customer inquiries, but also optimize logistics routes, adjust dynamic prices, and predict peaks in demand. At Q2BSTUDIO we design automation flows that integrate with existing cloud infrastructure, minimizing internal friction. For businesses that still operate with legacy systems, we recommend a progressive migration to bespoke applications that allow for an orderly transition without disrupting day-to-day operations.

One of the most telling findings of the report is the gap between intent and execution. Many organizations invest in technology without having previously mapped their processes or performing data quality checks. KPMG stresses that cultural change and staff training are just as important as the technology platform chosen. For this reason, at Q2BSTUDIO we are committed to comprehensive support that includes everything from conceptual design to team building, ensuring that each custom software solution not only meets the technical requirements, but is also adopted by end users.

The report also addresses the role of AI for businesses in personalizing the shopping experience. Today's consumers expect contextual recommendations, offers tailored to their history, and seamless omnichannel communication. AI agents can analyze a customer's behavior in milliseconds and suggest the right product, increasing conversion rates. At Q2BSTUDIO we develop AI-based recommendation engines that integrate with e-commerce and POS platforms, offering a unified view of the customer. Our engineering team works with cutting-edge technologies, including natural language models, to create increasingly human and effective interactions.

From an infrastructure perspective, KPMG's report insists on the need for cloud-native to support the elasticity demanded by modern retail. Seasonal spikes (Black Friday, Christmas, sales) require an autoscaling capability that only AWS and Azure cloud services can efficiently provide. Companies that maintain their own data centers face high fixed costs and reduced agility. At Q2BSTUDIO we facilitate migration to the cloud with a phased approach, starting with non-critical applications and progressively extending coverage, always under strict cybersecurity policies.

Advanced analytics is another pillar of the report. Power BI and other business intelligence tools enable retailers to identify emerging trends, optimize assortments, and improve financial management. The business intelligence services we offer at Q2BSTUDIO include building predictive models that anticipate customer churn or demand for perishable goods. These solutions integrate with custom software systems to generate automatic alerts and operational recommendations, reducing response time to market changes.

The KPMG report concludes that the companies that will lead the sector in 2026 will be those that understand technology as an enabler of new business models, not just as a cost-cutting tool. The combination of custom applications, artificial intelligence, cloud, and cybersecurity creates a resilient and adaptable ecosystem. At Q2BSTUDIO, as a technological ally, we help consumer and retail companies to walk this path with a practical and results-oriented approach. From initial consulting to deployment and maintenance, we offer a comprehensive service that ranges from the development of AI agents to the implementation of scalable cloud platforms.

For leaders evaluating their next technology investment, the report's message is clear: prioritize data architecture, invest in cybersecurity from the start, and bet on technology partners with industry expertise. The window of opportunity is closing fast, but those companies that act decisively will be able to transform the digital challenge into a lasting competitive advantage.