AI is rapidly transitioning from a tool that augments discrete tasks to one that orchestrates entire end-to-end experiences for users. Recent articles and industry reports highlight a significant shift: consumers are no longer satisfied with AI as a simple search or shopping assistant. Instead, they are increasingly eager for AI systems that can manage the full spectrum of their needs from discovery and decision-making to execution and follow-up.

The 2025 Black Friday shopping event reflects a seismic shift: artificial intelligence (AI) agents, not humans, now drive a significant portion of online shopping activity. The day shattered previous records, with U.S. online sales reaching $11.8 billion—a 9.1% year-over-year increase. What’s more significant than the raw numbers is the nature of this growth: an 805% surge in AI-directed traffic, as AI-powered deal agents like Walmart’s Sparky and Amazon’s Rufus took center s

A recent report by Axios highlighted Walmart's partnership with OpenAI to create an "AI-first" shopping experience through ChatGPT, introducing the concept of "agentic commerce." This post defines and explores the benefits and challenges of "agentic commerce."