As online shopping evolves, Shopify is leading a transformation in how people discover and buy products.
Introducing Shopify Agentic – a new commerce model where AI-powered agents do the shopping for users. Rather than browsing a store, customers can now start to rely on conversational AI interfaces that find, recommend, and even purchase products on their behalf.
This isn’t just another chatbot integration.
Shopify Agentic enables complete, frictionless transactions from product discovery to checkout – all within AI platforms like ChatGPT, Google AI, or Microsoft Copilot.
What is Shopify Agentic Commerce?
Shopify Agentic refers to a new framework by Shopify that supports agentic commerce – an AI-driven model where autonomous agents represent users during their shopping journey.
These agents understand a customer’s intent, search a shared product database, and complete purchases, all without requiring users to visit a traditional eCommerce store.
Key features of Shopify Agentic commerce include:
- Syndication of product data to AI platforms
- Intelligent product discovery using conversational AI
- Secure, embedded checkout experiences inside AI chats
With this infrastructure, Shopify turns AI agents into active sales channels.
How Shopify Agentic Works
1. The Agentic Plan
Shopify Agentic Plan lets merchants connect their product catalogue directly to platforms like ChatGPT and Google AI Mode. Once connected, product data becomes searchable in AI interfaces, allowing shoppers to:
- Discover products based on natural language prompts
- See real-time pricing and availability
- Complete transactions without leaving the AI app
This setup reduces friction and opens entirely new touchpoints for customer engagement.
2. Shopify Catalog
Underpinning this system is the Shopify Catalog, a structured, AI-ready database of merchant products. It standardises data on variants, descriptions, pricing, and inventory, enabling agents to:
- Deliver precise product recommendations
- Tailor responses to user queries
- Support rich media and variant selection in results
3. Embedded Checkout
Shopify integrates its world-class checkout system directly into supported AI platforms. This allows customers to securely complete purchases within the AI conversation, supported by:
- Global payments and taxes
- Real-time inventory syncing
- Order tracking and updates
This level of integration means the entire transaction can occur in seconds without opening a browser or store page.
Why Agentic Commerce Matters
For Merchants
- Wider Reach: Products appear in AI interfaces used by millions
- Channel Expansion: AI platforms become high-intent sales channels
- Data Efficiency: No need to manage separate storefronts for syndication
For Shoppers
- Frictionless Shopping: AI handles discovery and checkout in one place
- Personalisation: Agents suggest tailored options based on intent
- Speed: Purchases are completed in fewer steps
Preparing for Agentic Commerce
Imagine a shopper types “best vegan skincare under £50” into ChatGPT. The AI, powered by Shopify Agentic, searches the catalogue, presents tailored product options, and lets the shopper purchase directly within the chat.
No new tabs.
No app switching.
Just shopping done smartly.
Success in agentic commerce depends on data quality. To maximise visibility in AI platforms, merchants should:
- Optimise product titles and tags
- Include detailed descriptions and variant metadata
- Maintain accurate pricing and inventory
Well-structured data allows AI agents to match products with shopper intent more accurately.
If you’re ready to expand your reach through AI-driven channels, contact ExtraDigital today for support in setting up and optimising your Shopify Agentic commerce strategy!
FAQs
Is Shopify Agentic just for large brands?
No. Shopify Agentic is accessible via the Agentic plan and is suited to any merchant looking to expand through AI commerce channels.
Do I need a full Shopify store?
Not necessarily. Merchants using the Agentic plan can syndicate product data without a full online storefront.
What platforms does it support?
Currently includes integrations with ChatGPT, Google AI, Copilot, Perplexity, and Shopify’s own Shop app.
How do customers complete purchases using Shopify Agentic?
Customers shop through AI-powered conversations where products are discovered, recommended, and purchased directly within the AI interface. Shopify’s embedded checkout enables secure transactions without requiring users to visit a traditional website.
How can merchants optimise their products for agentic commerce?
Merchants should ensure product data is well-structured, with clear titles, detailed descriptions, accurate variant information, and up-to-date pricing and inventory. High-quality data helps AI agents match products more effectively to shopper intent across supported platforms.
