Consumers Turn to AI Tools for Smarter Shopping Ahead of Prime Day Sales

Consumers Turn to AI Tools for Smarter Shopping Ahead of Prime Day

As the shopping landscape evolves, Akeneo, a key player in Product Experience (PX), has unveiled significant insights from its latest PX Pulse survey. The findings reveal that as we approach the much-anticipated Prime Day, an increasing number of consumers are embracing artificial intelligence (AI) to make informed purchasing decisions.

A Shift in Consumer Behavior

During a time of economic uncertainty, savvy shoppers are becoming more strategic and value-conscious. The survey, which sampled 1,000 U.S. consumers aged 18 and older, indicates that nearly 74% of respondents are modifying their shopping habits with a focus on budget-savvy tactics. Many are delaying purchases, opting for essential items, and seeking better discounts before committing to buys.

AI’s Role in Shopping

The survey highlights that 43% of consumers are leveraging AI tools, including platforms like ChatGPT and Google Gemini, during their shopping journeys. They are using these technologies to compare prices, find discounts, explore new brands, and even sift through product reviews to make smarter purchases. This integration of AI into shopping practices points to a shift in how consumers conduct research and validate their choices.

Comparison Shopping on the Rise

Furthermore, Akeneo's findings show that shoppers are taking a meticulous approach to price comparison, with 62% of individuals comparing prices across various retailers before settling on a buy. This diligence reflects a growing wariness about deals, as only 9% trust offers without verifying them. As a result, over 55% of shoppers indicate a plan to explore multiple retailers, such as Walmart, Target, and Best Buy, instead of relying solely on Amazon for their Prime Day purchases.

Price: The Key Deciding Factor

Despite the increasing influence of AI, traditional pricing still reigns supreme in consumer decision-making. The survey indicates that 55% of respondents consider the final price of a product as the main driver behind their purchase choices, while a mere 3% cite AI-generated recommendations as their foremost motivator. Still, a notable 22% acknowledged that they had bought a product based on an AI suggestion, underscoring the potential of AI to shape consumer attitudes, even if many opt not to follow through with a purchase.

Romain Fouache, CEO of Akeneo, emphasizes the shift in consumer mentality, stating, "Consumers aren't shopping on instinct alone. They're more informed, leveraging comparative tools and AI technologies for enhanced decision-making." This reflects a broader trend where shoppers prioritize transparency, accuracy, and trustworthy product information before sealing the deal.

The Future of AI in Shopping

As we see AI increasingly woven into the shopping fabric, it is vital that retailers maintain clear and comprehensive product information. This clarity helps consumers confidently assess comparisons and make informed decisions across different shopping platforms, regardless of how they discover the products in the first place.

The implications of these trends are clear. As consumers navigate the world of e-commerce, the integration of AI into their shopping routines could potentially redefine how retailers approach engaging their customer base in the future.

To delve deeper into the findings of Akeneo or explore the company’s offerings, please visit Akeneo's website. For a complete view of the survey data and insights, check out the infographic provided.

Survey Methodology

The data showcased in this article stems from a survey conducted by Dynata, commissioned by Akeneo, in May 2026. The results reflect how evolving consumer behaviors are increasingly intertwined with the advent of AI technologies in the retail sector.