FILE PHOTO: OpenAI is preparing to integrate Shopify onto its AI chatbot, ChatGPT, transforming it into an online shopping assistant.
| Photo Credit: Reuters
OpenAI is reportedly preparing to integrate the e-commerce platform Shopify into its AI chatbot, ChatGPT, transforming it into an online shopping assistant. According to a Tech Radar report, new code in the backend of ChatGPT’s public web bundle revealed fields for shipping, price, product ratings, and a ‘Buy Now’ option. Additionally, a Shopify checkout link was present, suggesting a potential partnership between the two companies.
This means that when users search for product suggestions on ChatGPT, they will be directly shown items from Shopify. Currently, the chatbot displays links to third-party websites.
Last year, Perplexity AI introduced a similar AI-powered shopping feature that integrates with Shopify merchants that ship to the United States. AI chatbots are increasingly becoming more than just information lookups.
OpenAI is testing its new Operator agent, which will be capable of performing tasks such as booking restaurants and placing orders for users. Perplexity has also partnered with Tripadvisor and Selfbook to facilitate direct hotel bookings.
In contrast, Canada-based Shopify recently made a significant shift in its culture to prioritize AI. A leaked memo revealed that CEO Tobi Lutke had instructed employees that unless teams demonstrated that AI couldn’t perform a task, they wouldn’t be eligible for additional human resource hires.
Published – April 25, 2025 11:31 am IST
