Is there any other industry on the planet that moves as fast as retail? One minute, you’re ahead of the curve. The next? You’re playing catch-up.
So how do you get ahead and then stay ahead? Agility. Agility and the ability to respond to what’s happening in the market and how customer behavior is changing is the key. And that’s exactly what MACH technology (Microservices, API-first, Cloud-native, Headless) delivers.
The 2024 Business Value of MACH Technologies Survey is in, and the results make one thing crystal clear: MACH isn’t just something for IT - it’s a mindset shift for the entire business. It’s helping retailers cut costs, increase sales, and move faster than ever.
Here’s what you need to know:
1. MACH isn’t a ‘nice to have’ anymore - it’s essential
A couple of years ago, MACH was something forward-thinking IT teams were experimenting with. Now, it’s becoming the standard.
The survey found:
88% of retailers plan to implement MACH technologies in the next 18 months.
Companies investing in MACH aren’t just upgrading tech - they’re making their entire business more flexible and efficient.
What this means for you: If you’re still using legacy and monolithic systems, you’re playing retail on hard mode. MACH-certified solutions (like Sitoo) give you the speed and flexibility to adapt, scale, and stay ahead.
2. More retailers are putting their money where their mouth is
Last year, 52% of companies planned to invest $1-3 million in MACH. This year? It’s jumped to 65%.
And they’re seeing real results:
A quarter of MACH users are now seeing 100%+ ROI - a milestone that’s never been hit before.
78% of businesses reported saving up to $1m per year thanks to MACH.
What this means for you: MACH isn’t just a tech upgrade - it delivers serious financial results. If you’re looking to cut costs, increase sales, and set yourself up for the future, this is where you should be focusing.
3. Speed and agility are the biggest wins
Retail is unpredictable. Customers change, trends come and go, and the unexpected happens (ahem, global supply chain issues, anyone?). MACH helps businesses stay ahead of whatever comes next.
33% of MACH users say it’s helped them bring new business capabilities to market faster.
28% say it’s made them more responsive to market changes.
What this means for you: Whether it’s launching a new store, adding a payment method, or rolling out a fresh shopping experience, MACH helps you move faster. And in retail, speed matters. What’s more, MACH makes everything - inventory, order fulfillment, customer service, store operations - smoother. The fewer roadblocks you have, the easier it is to keep customers happy and keep sales coming in.
4. MACH isn’t just for IT anymore - retail leaders are stepping up
For years, MACH was something that sat under IT’s umbrella. That’s changing.
More digital and business leaders are driving MACH adoption - there’s been a 7% increase in sponsorship from outside IT.
47% of companies now set specific business goals for their MACH initiatives - a big jump from last year.
What this means for you: If you’re responsible for operations, customer experience, or digital strategy, MACH should be on your radar. This isn’t just about upgrading tech - it’s about giving your teams the tools they need to run smarter, more efficient stores.
5. The future of retail is MACH - and it’s coming fast
Gartner predicts that by 2027, 60% of new digital commerce solutions will be MACH-aligned.
Retailers are moving away from clunky, old-school systems in favor of flexible, modular setups that make life easier for everyone - store teams, customers, and leadership.
What this means for you: If you’re still sitting on the fence, now’s the time to act. The retailers who make the switch now will be the ones leading the way in a few years.
Summary
The 2024 Business Value of MACH Technologies Survey makes one thing clear - retailers who embrace MACH are seeing the biggest benefits. It’s making businesses faster, smarter, and more profitable.
The question isn’t “Should we adopt MACH?” - it’s “How do we get the most out of it?”
That’s where the full report comes in. It’s packed with insights, benchmarks, and data to help you make the smartest decisions for your business.
Download the full report now and see how MACH can take your retail business to the next level.
Last updated: February 25, 2025
