Shopping
“Shopping” – A cartoon showing how agentic commerce might help reduce the number of ugly Christmas gifts.
For years, e-commerce has been full of false starts. Can anyone remember the “smart mirrors” that promised to style us or shopping bots that never worked outside a demo? Much of that innovation was more hype than substance. But today, we’re finally seeing signs that agentic commerce, which is defined as AI agents that transact on our behalf, is moving from theory to reality.
Early startups are already showing what’s possible. Phia, for instance, helps shoppers instantly find the lowest price on a fashion item, whether new or secondhand. Another, Daydream, offers AI-powered personal styling that feels genuinely useful. Consumer interest is strong with PwC finding that more than 60% of U.S. online shoppers say they would trust AI to find them better deals.
Venture investors are also preparing for a shift. Andreessen Horowitz partner Justine Moore predicts a future where AI assistants handle everything from reordering groceries to helping justify a $3,500 commuter bike purchase: “Maybe you’re willing to throw an extra $50 [for AI advice] that way, versus if you’re buying a $50 sweater.”
The potential disruption is enormous. McKinsey estimates that generative AI could unlock $400 billion to $660 billion in annual value across retail and consumer goods by streamlining supply chains, automating service, and enhancing personalization. Agentic commerce can be seen as one of the most visible consumer-facing expressions of that broader transformation, specifically reshaping not just how people shop, but how retailers capture and deliver value.
Yet while agents may streamline routine and functional purchases, consumers will still crave the joy of discovery and self-expression in shopping. AI agents won’t replace shopping, but they will help us shop better.
Sources:
Charles Nicholls (Jun 17, 2025) – Agentic AI Might Streamline Shopping, But It’s All Bad News For Brands – Forbes
Sylvana Quader Sinha (Jul 14, 2024) – Walmart—yes, Walmart—says AI agents are its future – Fortune
Amir Sarhangi (Aug 25, 2025) – Is immortality possible? The technology breakthroughs that could extend human life — and how effective experts say they really are – LinkedIn
