New York: Retailers in the United States are beginning to change the way they present products online as artificial intelligence becomes a bigger part of how people shop. With more shoppers using AI powered assistants such as ChatGPT and Google Gemini to search for products compare prices and make decisions some stores are now creating content designed specifically for AI systems rather than only for human visitors.
Until recently most online shopping depended on website traffic advertisements and social media. Now a small but growing number of shoppers are turning to AI tools to help them decide what to buy. Industry analysts say referrals from AI platforms are still less than one percent of total traffic for large retailers including Amazon and Walmart but those shoppers often make faster purchasing decisions which makes them more valuable.
To adapt companies are working with new technology firms that help make their products easier for AI systems to understand. Some are building separate web pages that humans never see but are written clearly for AI search tools. Other retailers are increasing the amount of product information available online including detailed descriptions reviews and comparisons.
This shift matches a growing global trend. Online retailers around the world are experimenting with conversational shopping assistants personalized product suggestions and virtual try before you buy features. Analysts say the rise of AI assisted shopping will continue and could reshape the future of e commerce by reducing the need for traditional search engines and website browsing.
Experts also expect more change ahead. As AI shopping becomes more common retailers may shift from showing thousands of items on a website to offering personalized recommendations based on customer taste and buying history. Some companies are also testing systems where AI agents can complete purchases automatically once a shopper approves a suggestion.
While the technology continues to grow privacy concerns remain. Consumer groups and researchers warn that greater use of personal data for AI recommendations could raise questions about fairness data protection and transparency.
Despite the challenges many businesses believe the technology could transform retail in the same way online shopping changed traditional stores. With peak holiday shopping underway many retailers see this year as a turning point in how customers interact with stores online.
Analysts say that by late 2026 AI powered shopping may shift from a new trend to a normal part of global retail.