TLDR: A recent WARC report indicates that nearly a quarter of consumers are comfortable with artificial intelligence agents managing their shopping tasks, highlighting a growing trend in AI adoption for personal commerce.
According to the WARC 2025 Consumer Trends report, a significant 24% of consumers express contentment with artificial intelligence (AI) agents handling their shopping needs. This finding underscores the increasing integration of AI into daily consumer activities and its potential to reshape the retail landscape. The report, based on comprehensive GWI surveys across 54 markets combined with WARC’s own research and analysis, identifies five key trends influencing brand selection. Among these trends, “the humanisation of AI” stands out, with the statistic on AI shopping agents being a prime example.
The report also notes the widening cost-of-living gap, where 55% of low-income consumers prefer cheaper own-brand products over familiar brands. Other influencing factors include the growing credibility of individual creators, with nearly half (47%) of social media users making purchases based on influencer endorsements, and consumers’ proactive approach to health, evidenced by 77% concern over ultra-processed foods. The rise of alternative social activities is also highlighted.
While AI’s role in shopping is gaining acceptance, the broader impact of AI on various sectors is also a topic of discussion. For instance, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has warned about job displacement due to AI, particularly in customer service, a sector he believes AI has largely taken over. However, Altman also expressed personal reservations about fully entrusting AI with his own healthcare, indicating a nuanced view on AI’s capabilities and limitations.
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The increasing comfort with AI agents in shopping suggests a future where personalized recommendations, conversational interfaces, real-time information access, and contextual assistance become standard. AI agents are poised to analyze consumer preferences, past purchases, and browsing behavior to offer tailored product suggestions, enhancing the overall shopping experience. They can also streamline research by providing instant access to product information, reviews, and comparisons, and improve customer service by handling inquiries and resolving issues in real-time.
