Artificial intelligence shopping assistants are moving rapidly from concept to reality, bringing automation to everyday purchasing decisions. These agents can assemble a grocery order, compare prices, suggest meal plans, or trigger re-purchases based on household habits.
The technology promises significant convenience for consumers while offering retailers a new channel for customer engagement. However, it also raises strategic questions: if AI agents select products on behalf of shoppers, brand loyalty may shift from marketing-driven preference to algorithmic optimisation.
Retailers that successfully integrate AI agents could see a major shift in customer lifetime value and retention.