Agentic commerce is the next evolution of online shopping, where AI “agents” don’t just recommend products, they actively shop, compare, and complete purchases on behalf of customers. Instead of browsing pages, a customer might simply say, “Buy the best running shoes under £120 and reorder when I need them again,” and an AI agent handles the rest.
How early are we?
Agentic commerce is still very early-stage, similar to where mobile commerce was around 2009–2010. Big players like Amazon, Google, OpenAI, and Shopify are experimenting with AI-powered shopping agents, but widespread consumer adoption is likely 2–5 years away. That said, the foundations are being laid right now.
Having said that, it may be sooner than we think given the progress I have seen in AI even over the last 3 months!
How early are we?
Agentic commerce is still very early-stage, similar to where mobile commerce was around 2009–2010. Big players like Amazon, Google, OpenAI, and Shopify are experimenting with AI-powered shopping agents, but widespread consumer adoption is likely 2–5 years away. That said, the foundations are being laid right now.
How will this affect your e-commerce store?
The biggest shift is that AI agents will become your new customers. They’ll prioritise:
- Clean product data (accurate pricing, specs, availability)
- Strong reviews and trust signals
- Clear policies (returns, delivery, guarantees)
- Fast, reliable checkout experiences
For store owners, SEO won’t disappear — but it will evolve. Instead of optimising just for humans and Google, you’ll also be optimising for AI agents that compare products objectively and instantly.
What should you do now?
You don’t need to overhaul your store today, but future-proofing matters:
- Improve product descriptions and structured data
- Focus on genuine reviews and brand trust
- Simplify checkout and reduce friction
- Use AI tools to improve customer support and personalisation
The bottom line
Agentic commerce isn’t hype, but it’s not an overnight disruption either. It’s a slow-burn shift that will reward e-commerce businesses that invest early in clarity, trust, and customer experience. Those who adapt won’t just survive, they’ll be the easiest stores for AI (and humans) to buy from.
