CockroachDB is a distributed SQL architecture designed to eliminate operational overhead while preserving familiarity with SQL and PostgreSQL. It provides consistent data across the globe, automatic scale and resiliency, reduced operational overhead, online schema changes, and localized data for performance and compliance. By adopting CockroachDB, retailers can reduce total cost of ownership, increase developer velocity, and gain peace of mind against data loss, downtime, and dev gridlock. The company's experience with shifting from MySQL to CockroachDB resulted in a $700,000 savings in the first year, amounting to a 149% return on investment.