IoT retail market to hit $138.39 billion by 2030

The Business Research Company says the Internet of Things market in retail applications is expanding rapidly, rising from $39.91 billion in 2025 to a projected $51.31 billion in 2026. The report points to inventory visibility, automated checkout and connected store infrastructure as key growth drivers, with Asia-Pacific expected to grow fastest.

Why it matters: - Retailers are using connected devices to track inventory, improve checkout, and tighten operations. - The market’s growth signals broader adoption of sensor-driven retail systems and real-time decision tools. - The shift matters because IoT is moving from pilot projects to core retail infrastructure.

What happened: - The Business Research Company released a market report on Internet of Things applications in retail. - The report projects the market will grow from $39.91 billion in 2025 to $51.31 billion in 2026. - The report forecasts the market will reach $138.39 billion by 2030. - The report is part of The Business Research Company’s 2026 market research lineup. - The company also promoted a free sample report and the full market report.

The details: - The market is projected to post a 28.6% CAGR in 2026, then a 28.1% CAGR through 2030. - Growth drivers include improved inventory visibility, automated retail processes, precise stock monitoring, better customer experience, and electronic payment use. - Future demand is tied to frictionless checkout, real-time retail decision-making, connected store infrastructure, automated loss prevention, and supply chain transparency. - Emerging trends include real-time inventory tracking, automated checkout, sensor-driven store operations, personalized customer engagement, and deeper integration of connected retail platforms. - The report defines IoT in retail as internet-enabled devices and smart sensors that gather, transmit, and analyze live data across retail functions. - The report says this technology helps retailers improve efficiency, decision-making, process visibility, and customer experiences. - North America held the largest market share in 2025. - Asia-Pacific is projected to grow fastest during the forecast period. - The report covers Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, the Middle East, and Africa. - The report’s 2026 edition includes market attractiveness scoring, TAM analysis, company scoring matrix graphics and tables, Excel forecasting dashboards, market hotspots infographics, key technologies and future trend analysis, and updated graphics and tables.

Between the lines: - The growth forecast suggests retail IoT is becoming a mainstream spending category, not just an efficiency upgrade. - The emphasis on connected devices reflects a wider retail push toward automation and instant data flow. - The regional split shows mature adoption in North America and faster expansion potential in Asia-Pacific. - The European Commission reported in July 2025 that installed IoT-connected devices reached about 40 billion in 2023 and could rise to 49 billion by 2026, which supports the broader adoption story.

What's next: - The market is likely to keep expanding as retailers add more connected devices and automated systems. - Adoption should continue to concentrate on inventory management, checkout, loss prevention, and supply chain visibility. - Further growth will likely depend on how quickly retailers invest in connected store infrastructure and real-time analytics.

The bottom line: - IoT in retail is moving fast, and the next phase of growth looks tied to automation, visibility, and faster decision-making.