The world of online shopping is on the cusp of a revolution, thanks to the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) tools into chat interfaces. OpenAI and Instacart have joined forces to launch a grocery shopping experience within ChatGPT, allowing users to brainstorm meal ideas, create a grocery list, and check out without ever leaving the chat interface. This innovative partnership builds upon an existing relationship between the two companies, which began over two years ago with the launch of an in-app AI search tool powered by ChatGPT.
The collaboration enables users to ask questions about what to make for dinner or how to accommodate dietary restrictions, making the grocery shopping experience more personalized and convenient. With the new integration, users can now take their shopping experience to the next level by completing their purchases directly within the chat interface. This development is a significant step forward in the realm of agentic commerce, which involves using AI tools to conduct shopping research and make purchases on a user’s behalf.
OpenAI’s focus on agentic commerce is evident in its recent developer day, where the company outlined its plan to build apps into ChatGPT. The chat interface has already launched integrations with popular apps like Booking.com, Canva, Coursera, Expedia, Figma, Spotify, and Zillow. Additionally, OpenAI has announced partnerships with Target, Intuit, and other companies, further expanding its reach in the e-commerce space.
The timing of this launch is strategic, as the holiday shopping season approaches. Both OpenAI and Perplexity have introduced in-app features that help users make informed decisions about what products to buy, such as finding the best deal on a gaming laptop that matches specific criteria. According to Adobe, AI-assisted online shopping is expected to grow by 520% this holiday season, making it an exciting time for companies like OpenAI and Instacart.
While ChatGPT has gained immense popularity, OpenAI is not yet profitable and may not be for several years. The company’s products are resource-intensive, and even subscription costs do not account for the significant compute power required to make its products work. However, the agentic commerce tools could provide a new revenue stream for OpenAI, as the company will take a small fee when it helps merchants make a sale. Although it would take a substantial amount of ChatGPT-based shopping to make a dent in OpenAI’s debt, this development marks a promising step towards monetizing the company’s innovative technology.
As the e-commerce landscape continues to evolve, the integration of AI tools into chat interfaces is likely to play a significant role in shaping the future of online shopping. With companies like OpenAI and Instacart at the forefront of this revolution, consumers can expect a more personalized, convenient, and efficient shopping experience. As the demand for AI-assisted online shopping grows, it will be exciting to see how these companies continue to innovate and push the boundaries of what is possible in the world of e-commerce. Ultimately, the partnership between OpenAI and Instacart is a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation in driving the next generation of online shopping experiences.
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