The ecommerce playbook is changing as AI disruptors reshape the path to purchase. In this video, Principal Analyst Sky Canaves explores how discovery, decision-making, and loyalty are evolving—and what retailers and brands must do to stay competitive.

Retailers face a critical challenge in the age of AI: Understanding which of three emerging consumer types deserves their attention and investment today versus which remains largely theoretical.

Agentic shopping could account for more than a quarter of ecommerce spending within the next few years, according to a September 2025 Boston Consulting Group report. But that potential hinges on retailers integrating AI into the shopping journey in ways that feel beneficial to consumers.

AI is collapsing discovery and checkout into one flow, shifting control of payments upstream. New protocols, agent logic, and data control will decide which payment providers capture value.

New terms shift liability to customers as Gemini integration nears.

For brands, that means stronger customer experience and leaner operations could distinguish winners from laggards.

AI is reshaping how people discover, evaluate, and buy products. As assistants and emerging agents take on more of the shopping journey, retailers must rethink how they surface products and compete for influence in the purchase journey.

As Coinbase’s main business lags, stablecoins and agentic commerce offer an alternate revenue stream.

UCP adds carts and loyalty perks, but it may not be enough to move the needle on AI platform checkouts.

The shift increases checkout friction on the AI platform, slowing adoption and putting the onus on retailers.

Intelligent Authorization streamlines acquirers’ processing for a new era of commerce.

Education solutions company Sallie has launched Backpack Media, an education media network that offers marketers access to Gen Z and Gen Alpha students and the families influencing their purchasing decisions across Sallie’s owned properties, the open web, and CTV.

Consumer interest in chatbot-based checkout isn’t quite there, but AI-based discovery is on the rise.

The company is shifting tactics as users prefer to purchase on retail sites rather than in chatbots.

Our exclusive survey data examines the path to purchase across six markets in Latin America as digital marketplaces, social commerce, and AI reshape shopping behavior.

A Santander-Mastercard pilot shows AI can transact—forcing brands to rethink the funnel.

Payment players can only get rewarded in agentic commerce if they’re visible to agents.

While categories like payments, back-end infrastructure, and in-store systems remain relevant, AI has emerged as a defining force in retail tech for 2026.

Stablecoins are moving from crypto rails to mainstream payments infrastructure. Regulatory support and institutional investment are accelerating adoption, but consumer trust gaps, fragmentation, and liquidity risks pose near-term hurdles for digital payments.