The network is now the engine of retail performance – are you treating it that way?

Cyber risk is now part of the trading environment for every connected retailer. The BRC’s 2025 Crime Survey found that retailers spent £239.8m on cyber loss prevention in 2023–24, up 31% from the previous year.

This underlines how seriously the sector is investing in cyber defence to ensure operations continue to perform under pressure. Similarly, the National Cyber Security Centre has urged organisations to strengthen prevention, detection, containment and recovery.

Technology pressure + opportunity

At the same time, retailers are investing heavily in technologies that improve visibility, efficiency and customer experience.

A recent study found that 84% of retail decision-makers prioritise real-time inventory synchronisation, while many are introducing RFID, computer vision and generative AI. These technologies are already enabling retailers to reduce shrinkage through real-time loss detection, improve stock accuracy across stores and warehouses, and equip employees with live insight at the point of service.

They also significantly increase the volume of data, devices and interactions that must be managed securely and at speed.

Building the foundations for innovation

Secure network foundations are what allow retailers to turn these technologies into measurable business value.

A network-first approach starts with understanding everything that is connected, from stores and fulfilment centres to shopfloor devices and third-party systems. It means identifying which services are most critical to trading, then building the visibility, control and resilience needed to prevent disruption.

Standard + scale

A fashion brand, grocery chain or specialist retailer will each have different trading patterns and risk profiles. However, all require a clear and consistent view of how the network supports customer-facing services and day-to-day operations.

From connectivity to competitive advantage

A network-first strategy is not just about keeping systems running, it’s about unlocking new sources of value.

As connectivity becomes more intelligent and integrated, it enables retailers to:

• Reduce shrinkage and protect margin through real-time monitoring and AI-driven insight
• Improve availability and fulfilment with accurate, real-time stock data
• Increase productivity by equipping employees with timely, contextual information
• Scale innovation faster, without introducing new operational risk

In this context, the network is no longer a cost centre. It is a platform for performance.

As AI becomes embedded across retail operations, the network will play an even more critical role, feeding data to intelligent systems, enabling real-time decision-making and supporting more autonomous, responsive retail environments.

Those that invest early in this foundation will be best placed to scale innovation across their estate.

As retail becomes more connected, the organisations best placed to innovate will be those that invest in strong, secure network foundations first. With the UK’s most extensive fixed and mobile infrastructure, BT is uniquely positioned to connect retail estates end-to-end, linking stores, supply chains, employees and digital platforms within a single, secure environment. BT enables this by bringing together connectivity, security and a wider ecosystem of technology partners around the outcomes that matter most.

The goal is not just to keep retailers connected. It is to help them reduce risk, protect margin, operate more efficiently and unlock new growth opportunities.

Because in modern retail, performance doesn’t start with the store or the website.

It starts with the network that connects everything.

To learn more about how secure retail growth starts with a network-first strategy, visit Rethinking Retail.