What: Consumer adoption of AI shopping tools has reached a critical mass, with 38% of global shoppers actively using AI for purchase decisions.

Why it is important: With 73% of consumers feeling overwhelmed by traditional online shopping choices, AI adoption represents a crucial solution to information overload while driving significant business value, as evidenced by retailers achieving 15-30% improvement in customer service efficiency.

The retail industry is witnessing a significant shift in consumer behavior as AI shopping tools become mainstream. Recent data shows that 38% of global consumers are actively using AI for their shopping decisions, with an impressive 80% reporting positive experiences. This adoption is driven by practical applications, with 55% using AI for research, 47% for product recommendations, and 43% for deal information. The technology's impact is particularly evident in engagement metrics, showing 8% higher engagement rates and 12% more pages browsed per visit. Major retailers are responding to this trend, with companies like Amazon, Google, and Walmart implementing sophisticated AI solutions that combine personalised assistance with enhanced visual search capabilities. The success of these implementations is reflected in concrete business outcomes, with 87% of companies adopting AI reporting revenue increases of 6% or more.

IADS Notes: Consumer acceptance of AI in retail has grown steadily throughout 2024. In March, Adobe's research revealed that 58% of consumers recognised AI's positive impact on shopping experiences. By November, BCG's survey showed 38% of shoppers actively using GenAI during major sales events. This trend culminated in December 2024, when AI influenced $229 billion in holiday spending through targeted offers and personalised recommendations, demonstrating the technology's growing role in shaping consumer purchase decisions.

AI-powered shopping growing dramatically, Adobe reports