Retailers Risk Losing Shoppers to AI Assistants, Research Shows
New research indicates 40% of online shoppers will turn to AI assistants if retailers' onsite search fails. This highlights a need for retailers to improve their search functionalities.

A new study reveals that 40% of online shoppers are likely to turn to AI assistants, such as ChatGPT and Claude, if a retailer's own site search fails to deliver satisfactory results. This trend poses a significant risk of losing customers to alternative AI-powered search tools.
Furthermore, the research found that 72% of consumers have either tried or are open to retailers using AI to enhance their onsite search experience. This indicates a growing consumer demand for more sophisticated and effective online shopping tools.
The survey, which polled consumers in the US and UK, identified key pain points with current retail search functions. Shoppers are seeking faster, more accurate results and personalized recommendations, capabilities that advanced AI can provide.
These findings suggest that retailers must prioritize investments in their search technology to remain competitive. Integrating AI into their platforms could offer a crucial solution for improving customer experience and reducing bounce rates.