#USA #San Diego #consumer behavior #AI Shopping #Wildfire Systems

The Rise of AI in Shopping: Transforming Consumer Behavior

In recent years, the landscape of shopping has undergone significant changes, mainly driven by advancements in technology and shifting consumer preferences. The new 2025 Consumer Trends Report by Wildfire Systems, a pioneering financial technology platform, underscores a notable shift towards artificial intelligence (AI) in everyday shopping practices. This transformation, termed 'agentic commerce,' is rapidly influencing how consumers interact with online shopping platforms and services.

Key Insights on Consumer Behavior

According to the collaborative survey conducted by Wildfire Systems and Big Village, which involved 1,000 U.S. consumers aged 18 and above in July 2025, more than 35% of participants reported using AI tools for their online shopping needs, while 20% expressed comfort in allowing AI to handle their purchases. This shift can be attributed to the prevalent economic uncertainty and persistent inflation, which have made consumers more cautious about their spending habits.

Value Hunting in the New Normal

The survey highlights that the current economic climate has led to a more methodical approach to shopping. Here are some key findings:

• - Concerns about Pricing: An astonishing 78% of respondents are extremely worried about high grocery costs, and 72% about non-food consumer goods.
• - Strategized Shopping: 83% of the participants indicated they plan their purchases carefully and engage in comparison shopping.
• - Promo Savvy Consumers: A significant 81% wait for promotional discounts, while features like cashback rewards and digital coupons are more sought after than ever.

The Role of AI Tools in Shopping

The report illustrates that AI tools are not just part of marketing hype but are reaching mass adoption. With 61% of respondents acknowledging their use of AI shopping assistants like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Gemini, there is a clear trend towards utilizing these tools for making informed purchasing decisions. Notably, 54% of AI users use these platforms primarily for price comparisons, while 41% use them to discover deals.

Building Trust in AI Recommendations

Interestingly, the survey found that trust in AI shopping assistants is closely tied to financial incentives. A significant 75% of participants would be more inclined to trust AI recommendations if they could benefit from cashback or bonuses on their purchases. Moreover, the convenience offered by these tools to secure better deals and maximize rewards illustrates a growing consumer reliance on AI integration in commerce.

Addressing Consumer Concerns

While many embrace the transformation brought about by AI in shopping, concerns related to data privacy, unwanted subscriptions, and incorrect product selections prevail:

• - Privacy Issues: About 49% of respondents expressed worries about data privacy, indicating that transparency and security measures are critical for widespread adoption of AI shopping assistants.
• - User Experiences: Consumers indicate they are willing to share harmless personal data, such as clothing sizes and preferred brands, to enhance their online shopping experience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Wildfire Systems report showcases the growing trend of AI and agentic commerce reshaping consumer behavior in shopping. As shoppers increasingly seek value amidst fluctuating prices, their expectations for savings and efficiency in the shopping experience will drive the future of e-commerce. AI's influence on shopping is here to stay, provided companies address consumer concerns and enhance trust. With Wildfire Systems leading the charge in creating innovative loyalty and reward programs, the future of shopping is gearing towards a more personalized and rewarding experience for every consumer.

For a more detailed look at these findings, check out the complete 2025 Consumer Shopping Trends Report available now at Wildfire's official site.