Every week, there’s a new update or capability that makes a more compelling case for shoppers to use AI as their default shopping channel. The reason for this is because AI search is transforming how consumers discover and purchase products online – and the behavioral data is now clear enough to act on.

But for all the discussion about what’s changing and what it means, most of it is heavy on predictions and short on actual behavioral data.

Shopify is helping paint a clearer picture. They are analyzing traffic patterns and conversion data across storefronts on their platform, measuring what’s actually changing in how consumers discover and buy products online, and what it means for the merchants their platform supports.

The bottom line is that early movers build advantages using AI.

Shopify says, “As the AI shopping experience improves, more consumers try it. As more try it and have positive experiences, trust builds. Once enough consumers trust it, the channel goes mainstream. The only question is when. Merchants on Shopify are already positioned for that moment before it arrives.”

Learn more about what Shopify’s early data shows here.