Will shopping in the future stay human as AI takes over the cart?

As AI takes on a bigger role in how we shop, consumers aren’t ready to give up the human experience. Read how AI, evolving ideas of value, and a return to stores are reshaping commerce.

10.26.26

Read the full What the Future: Shopping issue

Shopping has always been about more than simply procuring. It’s emotional, social, frustrating, and convenient. It’s a source of entertainment, identity and inspiration. For some, it’s an escape. For others, a chore. And while nearly half of younger folks say shopping stresses them out, more than a third are excited to have help from AI assistants.

That’s creating an important tension for brands.

People are becoming more open to letting AI help simplify decisions, even as they don’t fully trust it yet. As we start moving to agentic commerce, that trust gap will likely get worse before it gets better. The challenge for those developing the technology as well as those implementing it is ensuring the technology can evolve without cutting the best human parts of shopping.

In What the Future: Shopping, we’ll explore how AI is reshaping consumer decision-making, brand influence and shopping behaviors. We’ll discuss why digital natives are driving a mall comeback, how retail media can help brands compete beyond price and what shoppers will and won’t be willing to delegate to AI.

Keep reading below and register for our companion webinar on Nov. 18.

For full results, download the annotated questionnaire or the Ipsos Future of Shopping data tables.

Introduction

How will we shop in the future as technology evolves?

Matt Carmichael, editor, What the Future

Interviews & Features 

How will AI reshape brand power as shoppers rethink value? Dakota Kate Isaacs, head of brand strategy and narrative, Quince
Why will in-person shopping matter tomorrow? Michael Guerin, executive vice president of leasing, The Macerich Company
Can retail media help brands survive shopper cutbacks? Ways retail media can help brands influence what squeezed shoppers keep in their cart
What will we give up when AI shops for us? Luca Cian, professor, University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business
Tensions Brand insights from Ipsos experts