AI Shopping Tools from OpenAI and Perplexity Set to Reshape Holiday Buying

Major AI companies are launching new shopping features just in time for the holiday season. OpenAI and Perplexity both announced updates this week. Their chatbots can now help users research and find products.

This move signals a significant push into the e-commerce space. According to TechCrunch, Adobe predicts AI-assisted online shopping will grow by 520% this season. The race to dominate AI-powered product discovery is now heating up.

How the New AI Shopping Features Work

OpenAI suggests users can ask ChatGPT for specific product recommendations. A query could be for a gaming laptop under $1000 with a large screen. Users can also share photos of items and request cheaper alternatives.

Perplexity is leveraging its chatbot’s memory for a personalized experience. It can provide recommendations based on a user’s location or profession. This aims to deliver more tailored and relevant shopping results directly within the chat interface.

Niche AI Startups Face an Uphill Battle

The launch poses a direct challenge to specialized AI shopping startups. Companies like Phia and Cherry now compete with tech giants. The key differentiator will be the quality of data and user experience.

Experts believe niche players with deep, specialized data can still thrive. Julie Bornstein, CEO of Daydream, told TechCrunch that fashion requires nuanced understanding. She stated that vertical models tuned to specific consumer decision-making will outperform general tools.

The rapid adoption of AI shopping tools is set to transform how consumers find products online. These new features promise a more conversational and intuitive purchase journey. The ultimate winner will be the platform that best merges comprehensive data with genuine user understanding.

Info at your fingertips

What did OpenAI and Perplexity announce?

Both companies announced new AI shopping features for their chatbots. These tools help users research products and find purchase recommendations. The updates were launched ahead of the holiday shopping season.

How does AI-assisted shopping work?

Users can ask the chatbots for product suggestions using natural language. They can specify budgets, styles, and requirements. Some tools also allow image uploads to find visually similar items.

Are specialized shopping startups at risk?

Experts suggest startups with deep, niche data can still compete effectively. General AI tools rely on broader, less specialized indexes. Vertical models tuned to specific industries may offer superior results.

What is the projected growth for this technology?

Adobe predicts a 520% growth in AI-assisted online shopping this holiday season. This indicates a massive and rapid consumer adoption curve. The trend points to a significant shift in e-commerce behavior.

Can users check out within these AI tools?

Yes, some integrations allow for in-chat purchases. OpenAI has a partnership with Shopify for this purpose. Perplexity has teamed up with PayPal to enable seamless transactions.