In the past day, I’ve noticed that ChatGPT and Perplexity have launched new AI-driven shopping tools designed to create more intuitive and personalized shopping experiences. These innovations focus on helping us effortlessly discover, compare, and purchase items using conversational queries tailored to our preferences and history.
ChatGPT
Shopping Research. OpenAI is revolutionizing the way I shop by transforming ChatGPT into my personal product researcher.
When I describe what I need, like a “quiet cordless vacuum” or a “gift for my art-obsessed niece,” ChatGPT kicks in to ask clarifying questions and pulls relevant data from the web. In no time, I receive a customized buyer’s guide.
Using my preferences and previous interactions, ChatGPT updates recommendations as I react to items with “More like this” or “Not interested.” It’s a truly adaptive experience.
This feature uses a specialized GPT-5 mini model that’s optimized for shopping and sources reliable information from trusted sites.
It’s available now for both free and paid ChatGPT users, on web and mobile, with extensive use available through the holiday season.
Next up, I’ll be able to purchase items directly within ChatGPT thanks to upcoming Instant Checkout integrations.
Perplexity
New Shopping Experience. Perplexity has rolled out a free, U.S.-based shopping feature centered around enhancing my shopping without replacing the experience.
I simply initiate searches with conversations like “best winter jacket for San Francisco ferry commute,” and Perplexity maintains context even when my needs shift.
It remembers my style and preferences, adjusting future product suggestions accordingly, all while avoiding endless scrolling by providing clear, intent-driven product cards.
Purchases are quick and seamless, thanks to a partnership with PayPal, while still allowing merchants to manage customer relationships.
Retailers might pay attention to this, as conversational shopping reportedly increases purchase intent, although some studies caution that AI-driven conversions aren’t always more successful than traditional methods.
This innovative experience is available now on desktop and web, with mobile apps arriving soon.
AI shopping assistants like ChatGPT and Perplexity are changing the ecommerce landscape. ChatGPT focuses on deep research while Perplexity offers smooth discovery and integrated checkout, both striving to be our go-to platforms by providing personal and custom shopping recommendations.
Read more about these announcements:
ChatGPT: Shopping Research
Perplexity: Shopping That Puts You First
Inspired by this post on Search Engine Land.
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