AI-Driven shopping gets a boost as Google expands Gemini’s retail capabilities

Google is stepping up its push into AI-powered commerce by integrating advanced shopping features into its Gemini chatbot through partnerships with major retailers including Walmart, Shopify and Wayfair.

Announced at the National Retail Federation convention in New York, the upgrade allows users to browse products and complete purchases directly within the Gemini chat interface, eliminating the need to switch between apps or websites. The move effectively turns Gemini into a virtual merchant, signaling a major shift in how consumers interact with online retail.

The new instant checkout functionality is designed to streamline the shopping experience, reflecting the broader transition toward agent-led commerce powered by artificial intelligence. Walmart’s incoming president, John Furner, described the development as the next evolution of retail beyond traditional web or app-based search.

The AI-enabled shopping features will initially roll out in the United States, with Google planning to expand the service to international markets at a later stage. As competition intensifies between technology leaders such as Google and OpenAI, the race to redefine digital shopping through AI-driven experiences is gaining momentum.