On January 11, 2026, Shopify Inc (SHOP.O) announced a partnership with Google to develop a “Universal Commerce Protocol” (UCP), allowing AI assistants to complete online purchases for merchants. This innovative move aims to enhance the shopping experience through “agentic commerce,” where software not only suggests products but also handles checkout processes. Significantly, this collaboration includes notable retailers like Etsy and Walmart, integrating Google Pay for seamless transactions.
Shopify CEO Tobi Lutke emphasized improved product discovery as a key benefit of this initiative, coinciding with the National Retail Federation’s annual convention in New York. However, investors are wary about the implications of this technology, including transaction fees and control dynamics. Market fluctuations showed Shopify shares at $164.48, down 2.26%. As the U.S. market prepares for the first test on January 12, the focus remains on how effectively AI can influence conversion rates and streamline the checkout experience.
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