The 64% who said they were optimistic represents a decline from 72% who said the same in 2021, but the comeback from the COVID-19 pandemic shaped a lot of that.
The pairing of new technologies like self-checkout with traditional in-store operations has literally opened new doors, either for businesses looking to expand or daring to debut.
The economic ramifications still continue to be felt across the retail industry in 2020 with more store closings and staff cuts due to the COVID-19 pandemic.