The Future of Shopping: AI to Virtual Reality

• AI-powered shopping tools could help you locate the right vendor, compare products and even place approved online orders
• Some tools offer an augmented reality experience, letting you try on outfits virtually to check fit, material and style before buying
• As you browse, AI’s predictive power provides more accurate answers to your shopping questions and shows personalized product recommendations
• Generative AI tools can work for everyone, especially if you’re a savvy shopper who likes researching products and finding deals

From comparing features across different products to trying on clothes virtually, artificial intelligence (AI) can transform your shopping experience. Let’s explore new and upcoming AI shopping tools that can help you research, snag deals and place orders so you can shop smarter.

The role of artificial intelligence in shopping

AI can play a huge role in shopping by personalizing what you see, prioritizing research and finding the best deals available. Keep reading to understand how.

Product recommendation engines

AI-powered product recommendation engines use your past activity, preferences, patterns and data from similar shoppers to predict and suggest relevant products or content.

For example, streaming platforms usually log what you watch and how long you watch it in order to suggest other titles you might like. These platforms may also record what you like most about a show or movie to optimize future editing and production decisions.

And when you shop on large online retail sites, those businesses often also use this same data collection and analysis approach to refine product recommendations and descriptions, speaking to your unique shopping preferences. 

Chatbots and virtual assistants

AI-powered chatbots act like virtual assistants, generating answers to questions that can help you make the right purchase.

Here are some real-world examples of AI-powered tools that can act as virtual shopping agents:

• The latest chatbots tend to rely on algorithms to help you find vendors, compare items or get personalized shopping advice without requiring you to browse multiple websites
• Some chatbots will soon act like a savvy shopping companion, answering questions about products with curated, conversational language that may save you valuable time

These tools can deliver you custom answers, faster comparisons and even bot-powered checkouts, although full booking and purchasing capabilities are still emerging.

Predictive inventory and dynamic pricing

Not only can AI keep track of sold-out items, it can also track changing prices, so you know when to buy available items at their most affordable.

• Certain shopping tools may provide price-drop alerts, tipping you off to the best times to buy or book.
• AI can also refresh 50 billion+ online product listings to reflect accurate item availability

AI can help you skip over out-of-stock or overpriced items quicker, so you find the best option in real-time.  

Virtual reality and immersive tech shopping innovations

Both augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) use digital projections to enhance your real-life shopping experience. AR is actually a type of VR — just one that blends more easily into your everyday life.

• VR comes in two forms: immersive VR uses a headset to place you inside a 360-degree digital world, while non-immersive VR typically uses multiple screens to simulate a virtual space without fully blocking out your surroundings
• AR is more accessible and can overlay digital clothing, glasses or furniture onto your image or your real environment using your smart device, helping you preview products before you buy

Here are some AR-based VR technologies that can help you shop:

• Try-on technology
  You can now upload a photo or use your device’s camera to virtually try on clothes, glasses or makeup in real time.
• Virtual showrooms
  Skip the store and explore a full showroom virtually using your device to move through the room. You can view 3D products and get a sense of how items might look   and fit in your own space before purchasing.

These tools let you preview different styles and products before you buy, helping you avoid returns and shop with confidence.

Shopping comparison tools: a must-have

Savvy shoppers can see big differences at checkout with the right tools. Today’s AI-supported technology and browser extensions can help you find deals, track prices and apply savings while you shop.

Here are a couple of standout digital tools to help you save:

• Shopping assistants
  Compare prices across retailers, view reviews and get price drop alerts with different AI shopping agents.
• Citi Shop^SM
  All eligible Citi^® credit cardmembers can use the Citi Shop^SM tool to find and apply coupon codes and discounts automatically at checkout with thousands of online retailers. Enrolled cardmembers who use the extension can also activate available offers and complete their purchase to receive statement credits.

How to adapt and shop smarter

You don’t have to drop old comparison or bargain-hunting shopping habits, but you can let AI-powered tools do the heavy lifting. Keep up with the digital landscape with these tips for getting more out of shopping while you save:

• Stay updated on new tools like Citi Shop’s^SM coupon and discount finder
• Use virtual try-on tools to preview outfits, accessories or makeup before checking out
• Use shopping assistants to compare prices across sites in seconds
• Set price alerts to avoid impulse buys and catch real deals
• Let platforms recommend products based on what you actually like
• Get familiar with budgeting apps to track and save money while you enjoy your shopping experience

Embracing the future of retail shopping

The way you shop may be changing rapidly, but the tools you need to keep up are already here. From chatbots that can compare millions of products to moving digital furniture around your dining room, AI-powered innovations can help you shop with added speed, clarity and confidence. Adopting AI tools can help you enjoy the future of online shopping with comparison tools, immersive tech and customized convenience.

Disclosure: This article is for general educational purposes. It is not intended to provide financial advice. It also is not intended to completely describe any Citi product or service. You should refer to the terms and conditions financial institutions provide for various products.