Retail isn’t what it used to be—and that’s a good thing. Today’s consumers expect faster checkouts, real-time product availability, and seamless service across every channel. For retailers, that means transforming operations from the ground up. One technology driving this transformation? RFID (Radio Frequency Identification).

Once considered optional, RFID in retail is now a mainstream must-have. According to a study by Accenture, 93% of retailers now use RFID technology in some form, and 83% report achieving ROI within 12 months of implementation. That kind of value—and speed—is hard to ignore.

Why RFID matters now more than ever

Retailers are facing increasing pressure to manage inventory more precisely, minimize loss, and improve customer service across channels. RFID offers a comprehensive solution to these challenges, helping businesses work smarter, not harder.

1. Real-Time Inventory Visibility

RFID solutions enable retailers to track products throughout the entire supply chain, providing accurate, real-time inventory data. That translates into faster restocking, fewer stockouts, and optimized inventory levels.

The Auburn University RFID Lab found that RFID improves inventory accuracy from 63% to more than 95%—a game-changer for retailers looking to build better forecasting and avoid overstocks or lost sales.

Additionally, GS1 US, in collaboration with Auburn, reports that RFID can reduce out-of-stock rates by as much as 50%, helping ensure customers find the products they want, when and where they want them.

2. Reduced Shrinkage

Shrinkage remains one of retail’s biggest profit-killers. RFID helps reduce shrinkage by giving retailers better visibility into inventory movement, enabling early detection of discrepancies and loss.

With RFID, retailers can identify not just whether an item is missing—but when and where it went missing. This level of detail helps in loss prevention efforts and builds trust in inventory data across teams.

3. Enhanced Customer Experience

Modern shoppers expect instant access to product availability—whether they’re browsing in-store, online, or via curbside pickup. RFID makes that possible.

By delivering accurate, real-time inventory data across platforms, RFID empowers retailers to support true omnichannel experiences, including buy-online-pickup-in-store (BOPIS), same-day delivery, and rapid restocking.

Quicker checkouts, fewer customer service delays, and improved product accessibility all contribute to greater satisfaction and brand loyalty.

Built to scale with retailers
One of RFID’s greatest advantages is its scalability. Retailers can start with a single store, category, or department and expand over time. RFID integrates with existing POS systems, inventory platforms, and ecommerce tools—making it ideal for both SMBs and enterprise retailers.

Whether you’re a fashion retailer needing precise SKU-level visibility or a grocery chain improving shelf restocking, RFID solutions for retail offer future-proof flexibility.

A major opportunity for technology resellers
For technology providers and integrators, this RFID boom presents a powerful opportunity.

Retailers need more than just tags and readers—they need end-to-end retail solutions: rugged mobility devices, analytics software, secure configuration, and ongoing support.

ScanSource empowers partners with a full range of retail technology products and services—from RFID scanners and printers to custom configuration and key injection services. With ScanSource, you can help retailers deploy scalable, secure, and ready-to-use RFID systems that drive long-term success.

RFID is no longer a luxury—it’s a strategic asset for retailers looking to compete in a data-driven world. From inventory accuracy and shrink reduction to customer satisfaction, RFID enables smarter, faster, more efficient retail operations.

Technology resellers who offer complete RFID solutions—including hardware, services, and integration—are uniquely positioned to help retailers scale and succeed.

To explore how ScanSource can help you deliver cutting-edge RFID retail solutions, visit scansource.com/marketresourcecenter or speak to a specialist today.