E-commerce Trends in 2026: Three Key Functionalities Shaping Online Retail
- May 1
- 2 min read
E-commerce platforms continuously look for ways to improve the online shopping experience for both buyers and merchants. In 2026, among leading online retailers in North America, AI and its various applications will be the primary tools for competition. Platforms will активно deploy agentic services, AI integrations, and operational automation to help customers quickly find desired products and deliver максимально personalized shopping experiences.
Agentic Services for Shoppers
AI agents assist customers throughout the entire journey—from product discovery to purchase. They answer questions, check inventory, and provide seamless navigation. For example, Shopify has developed agentic storefronts that integrate with OpenAI, ChatGPT, and Microsoft Copilot. Salesforce Agentforce Commerce offers users a shopping assistant within a single interface, while VTEX and Kibo are developing AI agents to automate order processes and customer support.
AI Integrations for Search and Ordering
AI now supports not only product discovery but also payments and integrations with other platforms. Customers increasingly begin their product search directly through chat or generative AI platforms.For instance, Commerce.com (formerly BigCommerce) uses AI to help buyers quickly find products—sometimes without even visiting a traditional website. Feedonomics Surface helps optimize product catalogs across channels such as Google Shopping, Meta, and others.
Operational Automation
AI platforms are also improving the operational side of online stores—design, development, inventory management, and delivery.Oracle NetSuite’s SuiteAgent enables site customization, while Microsoft Dynamics 365 offers agents for the retail industry to enrich product catalogs and facilitate communication with suppliers.
In 2026, e-commerce platforms aim to personalize customer experiences, accelerate product discovery, and streamline operations through AI. Agentic services, integrations, and automation are becoming key competitive advantages, helping platforms stand out in the rapidly evolving world of online retail.
