Security tops 2026 tech spend for Australian retailers

Australian small and medium-sized retail businesses have put security, privacy and data protection at the top of their investment priorities for 2026, according to research from Shopify.

The survey of 513 Australian business owners and senior decision-makers found 36% ranked strengthening security, privacy and data protection as their leading priority. It placed ahead of supporting international selling at 32% and using AI and automation for efficiency and content creation at 31%.

The results point to a focus on resilience and operational discipline as many retailers manage cost pressures and shifting demand. The data also indicates that technology plans remain active, with a strong emphasis on security-related spending.

Investment priorities

Beyond security, respondents cited several areas for technology investment. Connecting in-store and online systems ranked at 28%. Improving site or app speed and uptime ranked at 27%.

International selling featured prominently in the survey. Nearly one-third of respondents said support for cross-border selling was a key priority for 2026. The survey did not specify which markets retailers planned to target or the types of tooling they planned to adopt.

AI and automation also featured among the top priorities. The survey grouped these technologies into a combined category and linked them to efficiency and content creation. It ranked slightly below international selling and slightly above investments in connected commerce and site performance.

Customer-facing tech

When asked about emerging technologies, respondents favoured tools that affect checkout, merchandising and fulfilment expectations. One-click checkout ranked as essential by 36% of respondents. Retail media networks followed at 35%.

Creator commerce ranked at 32%. A next-day delivery promise ranked at 31%.

The research suggests that customer experience features remain central to technology roadmaps. It also indicates that retailers see competitive pressure in checkout speed and digital merchandising formats.

Business outlook

Most respondents expressed optimism about 2026. In the survey, 31% said they were much more optimistic about their performance in 2026. A further 44% said they were somewhat more optimistic. Only 4% reported negative sentiment about the year ahead.

Revenue growth ranked as the top business priority for 2026 at 32%. Improving profitability and cash flow ranked close behind at 31%.

Respondents also pointed to customer retention and growth. Retaining and growing existing customers ranked at 28%. Improving customer experience and support ranked at 25%.

The findings indicate that financial outcomes remain the core objective, with technology investments tied closely to trading performance and service levels.

AI adoption

The survey suggests broad use of generative AI among Australian retail SMBs. In the past 12 months, 78% reported using ChatGPT or another generative AI tool. Another 20% reported no AI use. A further 2% said they were unsure.

Marketing content topped the list of common AI use cases, cited by 37% of respondents. Generating product content followed at 34%. Analysing data or generating reports ranked at 33%.

The research also explored adoption patterns for new technology in general. Two in five respondents described themselves as part of the "early majority", adopting once value is proven. A further 33% said they were early adopters, testing and implementing tools ahead of peers.

A smaller group said they wait until solutions are mainstream at 19%. Another 6% said they adopt only when necessary.

Community focus

Nearly three-quarters of respondents said they expect to increase their community involvement over the next year. In the survey, 33% said they planned a significant increase. Another 41% anticipated a moderate rise.

Respondents identified several ways they support local communities. Offering affordable access to goods or services ranked first at 39%. Providing local jobs ranked at 36%.

Purchasing from local suppliers ranked at 31%. Providing training and mentorship for local workers and entrepreneurs ranked at 29%.

Shopify said the training and mentorship figure represented the highest rate among the markets surveyed. It compared Australia at 29% with the US at 18%, Canada at 22%, the UK at 16% and Germany at 22%.

Survey details

The survey covered Australian businesses that focus on selling products and conduct at least part of their sales online. Shopify ran the research among business owners and senior decision-makers.

The results point to a 2026 agenda that blends risk management with sales growth and customer experience features, while AI becomes a common tool for content and analysis.

Shopify said the survey ran from November 18th to 29th, 2025 among 513 Australian business owners and senior decision-makers.