Retailers tap AI shopping traffic but fight to keep customer data

cnbctv18.com Aug 7, 2026

Retailers tap AI shopping traffic but fight to keep customer data

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Aug 7, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Retailers such as Walmart, Ulta Beauty, and Wayfair are updating their sites to rank higher in AI chatbot searches from ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude, as these platforms drive an estimated $8 billion in consumer spending this year. The shift forces brands to describe products in ways that answer detailed AI queries, while they simultaneously resist handing over customer data that fuels loyalty programs and future sales. Ulta reports double the conversion and intent from AI‑directed traffic and is integrating its rewards program into Gemini, yet prefers purchases to stay on its own site. AWS encourages retailers to use AI for marketing while keeping data control.

💡 Why It Matters

· The rise of AI‑driven shopping is reshaping how consumers discover products, pushing retailers to balance visibility with data ownership.
· This dynamic could redefine the competitive edge between brands and generative‑AI platforms.

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