In today's challenging retail landscape, reducing Operational Costs (OPEX) is more critical than ever if you hope to avoid the wave of store closures. Brick-and-mortar stores face rising costs, shrinking margins, and intense competition from online-only retailers.  In retail, rent, utilities, and personnel costs are largely fixed, leaving little room for meaningful reductions. However, IT budgets offer a unique opportunity—one where strategic adjustments can deliver substantial savings without compromising performance.  As a result, reducing operational expenses has become a top priority for IT decision-makers and CFOs alike.

One of the most impactful ways to achieve this is by optimizing IT maintenance strategies. Here are three proven methods retailers are using to significantly reduce costs without sacrificing performance:

1. Transition from OEM Maintenance to Third-Party Maintenance

Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) often implement annual price increases for maintenance contracts, leveraging brand loyalty and perceived exclusivity. However, many retailers are realizing substantial savings—often exceeding 50%—by partnering with third-party maintenance providers. These providers deliver comparable, if not superior, support services at a fraction of the cost.

2. Consolidate Support Across Multiple Vendors

Managing maintenance contracts with multiple OEMs can create unnecessary complexity and administrative overhead. Retailers are achieving greater efficiency and cost savings by consolidating their support through third-party providers, streamlining vendor management, and negotiating unified support agreements.

3. Extend the Useful Life of IT Assets

OEMs typically encourage frequent hardware refresh cycles, driving up capital expenditures. However, many IT assets, including servers, POS systems, and network equipment, can maintain peak performance well beyond their manufacturer-recommended lifecycle. With third-party maintenance, retailers can extend asset life without compromising reliability, deferring costly upgrades.

Are You Still Paying Premium Prices for OEM Maintenance?

In an industry where every dollar counts, maintaining outdated support models can be a costly mistake. By adopting these strategies, retailers can improve profitability, enhance operational resilience, and maintain a competitive edge.

Take control of your maintenance costs today and ensure your business is prepared for whatever challenges lie ahead.