Consumers are increasingly showing a willingness to let artificial intelligence (AI) take over shopping-related tasks, according to research by Accenture. The company's 2026 Consumer Pulse Research, which surveyed 25,590 consumers across 16 countries, found that nearly three-quarters of respondents would trust a personal AI agent more than their best friend to make purchasing decisions.
The study also revealed that AI shopping agents are becoming an integral part of the consumer experience. 74% of respondents expressed confidence in using AI-powered tools for tasks such as price comparisons and product recommendations. Additionally, many consumers are open to having AI agents manage their personal finances or provide health advice.
As a result, companies are seeing significant benefits from integrating AI shopping agents into their e-commerce platforms. Sales have been boosted by the increased efficiency and accuracy of these agents, while also providing a more personalized and convenient experience for customers. With ongoing research and development, it is likely that AI shopping agents will become an even bigger part of the retail landscape in the years to come."