Shopify + OpenAI: How Shopping Changes in the AI Era

Shopping will never be the same again. Shopify, in partnership with OpenAI, has announced a groundbreaking innovation: sales directly within ChatGPT conversations. No links, no redirects – just seamless shopping within the chat.

What Does This Mean for Merchants?

Not long ago, Tobi Lütke, founder of Shopify, spoke of a vision where merchants can sell anywhere AI conversations take place. Today, that vision is becoming a reality.

When people ask ChatGPT for recommendations – whether for a gift, travel equipment, or clothing advice – simple inquiries naturally turn into shopping moments. This is where products from Shopify stores can now appear.

Millions of brands – from smaller indie e-shops to names like Glossier, Spanx, Vuori, Away, Stanley 1913, and Steve Madden – will be available directly within ChatGPT.

How Does It Work?

Shopify provides ChatGPT with real-time data – prices, stock availability, images, and product variants.

This means that when someone seeks recommendations, they can instantly purchase the product – right within the ChatGPT interface.

• The merchant remains the merchant of record – the buyer always clearly sees from whom they're purchasing.

• Orders are recorded directly into the Shopify administration.

• Fees are transparent and fair.

• The merchant decides if the customer goes through Instant Checkout in ChatGPT or through their e-shop.

“AI is completely changing how customers shop. Being on Shopify means we are automatically everywhere people shop – including AI conversations,” says Colleen Waters, VP eCommerce at Steve Madden.

Why Is This Important?

According to Vanessa Lee, VP Product at Shopify, discovering products today is increasingly happening in AI conversations:

“People discover products in AI conversations, not just through search or ads. This allows our merchants to naturally appear in those moments and offer a way to purchase without disrupting the flow.”

Shopify calls this trend agentic commerce – transactions directly in AI conversations that expand sales opportunities without replacing what already works.

The Future of Commerce: Ready from the Start

The advantage for merchants is clear – instead of searching for new channels, they can focus on what matters: products, customers, and their business.

Shopify handles the technical complexity. Merchants just decide what to sell.

“Our goal is to keep merchants at the forefront of innovation. We build tools that help them grow, regardless of size or experience,” adds Lee.

Summary

• 🛍 Sales directly in ChatGPT – without redirects.

• ⚡ Real-time data – price, stock, variants.

• 🔑 Merchant maintains the brand and customer relationship.

• 🌍 Millions of stores available in AI conversations.

The future of e-commerce is being written now – and Shopify merchants are part of it from day one.