To optimize the data storage and retrieval performance in your desktop application, you can follow several measures. Firstly, **consider using a database management system** instead of storing data in plain text files. This allows for quicker data retrieval and efficient indexing. Secondly, **normalize your database design** to eliminate redundant data and improve overall performance. Thirdly, **implement caching mechanisms** to reduce the number of database queries and store frequently accessed data in memory. Fourthly, **properly index your database tables** to speed up data retrieval operations. Finally, **optimize your queries** by using appropriate indexing, avoiding unnecessary joins, and limiting the amount of data being fetched. By implementing these measures, you can significantly enhance the data storage and retrieval performance of your desktop application.