The partnership between BigCommerce, Feedonomics, and Perplexity highlights a subtle yet profound shift in e-commerce: AI isn't just about flashy tech demos, it's now plumbing the depths of product data to ensure shoppers find exactly what they want with less effort. The key here? Delivering clean, structured, and rich product feeds to large language models so AI can connect the dots contextually instead of drowning users in irrelevant results.
Brands like Revelyst are already seeing the benefits — better visibility, tighter brand consistency, and crucially, more control over how products show up in AI-powered search. This isn't just marketing fluff; it’s about the nuts and bolts of modern retail, where data hygiene becomes a competitive edge.
Now, from a techno-journalist’s seat, this paints a clear picture: AI’s role in retail is evolving from hype to utility. Perplexity’s focus on trustworthy, agentic shopping experiences underscores that consumers want AI to behave less like robotic encyclopedias and more like savvy personal shoppers. But let's keep it real—AI is only as good as the data it ingests. Garbage in, garbage out still holds.
The RTIH AI in Retail Awards coming up in 2025 promises to spotlight those who’ve crossed that threshold from potential to practical innovation. The challenge for retailers and tech providers alike is making AI usable, not mystifying, driving real efficiency gains without overpromising miracles.
So, next time you search for that perfect gadget or go-to camping gear, remember there’s a tight choreography behind the scenes, where AI, data, and human expertise partner up to make your shopping smoother. It’s not sci-fi; it’s the new retail normal taking shape, and it’s about time we applauded the quiet revolution in our digital carts. Source: Adventure brand Revelyst onboard as BigCommerce, Feedonomics, Perplexity team on AI product search — Retail Technology Innovation Hub
