AI: The driving force for tomorrow’s ecommerce
Posted: Mon Feb 17, 2025 4:43 am
Artificial intelligence (AI) was undoubtedly the hot topic at the Expo, however. Participants were eager to hear about how AI could revolutionize every aspect of ecommerce, from product detail page content generation – something Peyman mentioned Mint Velvet turned to Shopify Magic for help with – to uncovering entirely new customer journeys.
However, most agreed that even with all the leaps made so far, from ChatGPT to our own Shopify Sidekick assistant for merchants, the surface is barely even being scratched right now. Some were bolder than that. “Nobody is using AI in the post-purchasing experience to good effect,” said David Hicks, co-founder at XMCoach on a panel on machine learning and the impact on experience. His co-panelist, AI expert Nihir Vedd, agreed: “There’s so much data in CRMs not being utilized to the extent it could.” It’s certainly the case that we’re only at the beginning of the journey here. According to a Shopify merchant study ghana mobile database conducted in 2022, one in three Shopify merchants have attempted to use some form of AI, turning to third-party AI tools to help with automation, support, and content generation to reduce toil, and spend less time on repetitive tasks. Which brings me to my final point:
How do we keep shopping at scale personal even as AI advances?
While AI may have been the most discussed tech at the show, ultimately human connection emerged as the real focus – the reason we all want to keep mining to explore AI’s potential.
New technologies can strengthen brands when used thoughtfully, but risk backfiring if poorly executed. Generative AI can help quickly make or generate product listings, it’s true, but if it doesn’t excite or feel authentic, it will do your business more harm than good.
I was most struck by CX consultant Karl Illrud’s keynote talk on enhancing potential in ecommerce. He mapped out a future where these tools become organically integrated – and fundamentally change how we list and sell products online.
However, most agreed that even with all the leaps made so far, from ChatGPT to our own Shopify Sidekick assistant for merchants, the surface is barely even being scratched right now. Some were bolder than that. “Nobody is using AI in the post-purchasing experience to good effect,” said David Hicks, co-founder at XMCoach on a panel on machine learning and the impact on experience. His co-panelist, AI expert Nihir Vedd, agreed: “There’s so much data in CRMs not being utilized to the extent it could.” It’s certainly the case that we’re only at the beginning of the journey here. According to a Shopify merchant study ghana mobile database conducted in 2022, one in three Shopify merchants have attempted to use some form of AI, turning to third-party AI tools to help with automation, support, and content generation to reduce toil, and spend less time on repetitive tasks. Which brings me to my final point:
How do we keep shopping at scale personal even as AI advances?
While AI may have been the most discussed tech at the show, ultimately human connection emerged as the real focus – the reason we all want to keep mining to explore AI’s potential.
New technologies can strengthen brands when used thoughtfully, but risk backfiring if poorly executed. Generative AI can help quickly make or generate product listings, it’s true, but if it doesn’t excite or feel authentic, it will do your business more harm than good.
I was most struck by CX consultant Karl Illrud’s keynote talk on enhancing potential in ecommerce. He mapped out a future where these tools become organically integrated – and fundamentally change how we list and sell products online.