AI shopping aids confront credibility concerns
In the rapidly evolving world of retail, AI shopping tools are making waves as major tech and retail giants such as Google, Amazon, Walmart, and eBay introduce these innovative aids to assist consumers with various shopping tasks. Despite growing adoption, particularly among younger generations, widespread skepticism remains a significant barrier.
A recent survey revealed that around 43% of Americans are aware of AI shopping assistants, but only 14% have actually used one. The data suggests that Gen Z leads the way with 24% usage, followed by millennials (17%), Gen X (12%), and baby boomers (7%). Parents with children under 18 also show relatively high adoption (21%).
The most common functions for users are answering product questions (44%) and finding the best deals (34%). Non-users express strong interest in these features, with 67% indicating they would use AI for price comparisons and 56% for help with product comparisons. Customers also value faster responses (27%) and comprehensive product comparisons across retailers (28%) as key features that would encourage adoption.
Trust, however, remains a barrier to adoption, with 41% of Americans stating they have no trust in AI shopping assistants. Concerns include perceived bias toward certain brands or products (61%) and cautiousness about letting AI make purchasing decisions, especially for high-risk or expensive items. Many respondents prefer to use AI only for low-risk or routine purchases and want to set specific preferences or filters to feel secure.
Despite the skepticism, the AI shopping assistant market is expanding rapidly. It was valued at $3.36 billion in 2020 and is projected to reach $28.54 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 26.9%. This growth is fueled by demand for personalized, seamless shopping experiences enabled by advanced natural language processing, machine learning, and generative AI features such as virtual try-ons and multi-platform engagement.
The survey also found that about two-thirds of consumers who are open to AI shopping assistants but haven't used them would use AI to find the best prices. Thirty percent of respondents suspect that AI shopping assistants would attempt to sell them things they don't need. Over a third of survey respondents are concerned about data privacy and security with AI shopping assistants.
As retailers pour more resources into AI, with 56% of retail organizations having increased their investments in generative AI compared to last year, the landscape of shopping is expected to change dramatically. The challenge lies in addressing consumer concerns and building trust in AI shopping assistants to ensure their widespread acceptance in the future.
- The skepticism towards AI shopping assistants among American consumers is evident, as a survey revealed that although 43% are aware of these tools, only 14% have used one.
- As the AI shopping assistant market expands rapidly, with projections reaching $28.54 billion by 2033, retailers are investing heavily in generative AI, hoping to provide personalized, seamless shopping experiences enhanced by natural language processing and machine learning.
- privacy and security concerns persist, with over a third of survey respondents expressing unease about their data being compromised by AI shopping assistants, potentially hindering their widespread acceptance in the future.
