![AI Christmas Shopping: Find Gifts & Save Time [Year]](https://images.fastcompany.com/image/upload/f_webp,q_auto,c_fit/wp-cms-2/2025/12/AP25332455010929.jpg "AI Christmas Shopping: Find Gifts & Save Time [Year]")
Beyond the Mannequin: How AI is Revolutionizing Your Shopping Experience
For years, virtual dressing rooms felt… limited. Relying on complex 3D models, staged photoshoots, or forcing you to find a body type that almost matched your own, they frequently enough fell short of truly helping you visualize how an item would look on you. But the landscape of online shopping is shifting dramatically, powered by the latest advancements in Artificial Intelligence.Forget static images – AI is now bringing the fitting room to your living room, and even handling the purchase for you.
This isn’t just about convenience; it’s about reducing returns, boosting confidence, and fundamentally changing how we interact with retailers. Let’s break down the key ways AI is reshaping the shopping experience, from virtual try-ons to automated purchasing and even checking in-store availability.
Virtually Try On Clothes With Just a Photo
Google is leading the charge with a groundbreaking feature that allows you to virtually ”try on” clothing and shoes using your own photos. No more settling for a generic model! Simply tap the “Try it on” button on a product page within Google Shopping (available on desktop and the mobile app in Australia, Japan, Canada, and the U.S.), upload a full-length photo of yourself, and see the garment realistically rendered on your image.
Here’s how it works:
* Simple Poses: The system works with straightforward photos – no need for professional poses.
* Save & Share: You can save the image to your account for future reference or share it with friends for feedback.
* Photo Persistence: Your photo is securely saved, eliminating the need to repeatedly upload it.
* Gift Shopping Made Easier: Want to buy for someone else? You can upload their photo – with their permission,of course.
Crucial Note: while the technology is extraordinary, it currently doesn’t support accessories like hats or jewelry, nor intimate apparel like bathing suits or lingerie.
Let AI Handle the “Buy” Button: Agentic AI Takes Over
Found the perfect gift, but want to snag it at the best possible price? Enter “agentic AI” – tools designed to automate the purchasing process.
Both Amazon and Google are rolling out features that allow AI to monitor prices and make purchases on your behalf, with your explicit confirmation.
* Amazon’s AI Agent: If a product’s price drops to your desired level, Amazon’s AI agent will initiate the purchase.
* Google’s Agentic checkout: Google’s feature, currently available with select retailers like Wayfair, Chewy, Quince, and Shopify merchants, automatically buys products you’re tracking when the price is right.
* Beyond Stock Issues: Amazon is even allowing AI to purchase items from other brands’ websites if they’re currently out of stock on amazon. The AI agent securely handles the transaction on the external site using your encrypted payment data.
Rest assured: Both companies emphasize that you’ll always receive confirmation before any purchase is finalized. This isn’t about relinquishing control; it’s about leveraging AI to save you time and money.
Is It in Stock? AI Can Call and Find Out.
Tired of making trips to the store only to find the item you want is sold out? Google has a solution: an AI-powered service that will call local stores to check availability.
Here’s how to use it (currently available in the U.S. for toys, electronics, and health & beauty products):
- Search with “near me”: Add “near me” to your Google search query (e.g., “Acer monitor near me”).
- Look for “Let Google Call”: If available, a “Let Google Call” option will appear in the search results.
- Answer a Few Questions: Google will ask a few clarifying questions about your desired product.
- AI Does the Calling: The AI bot contacts nearby stores to inquire about stock.
Real-World results: While the service is fast, results can be mixed. Recent testing by the Associated Press found the AI prioritized a local computer repair shop selling refurbished monitors over larger electronics retailers. It even suggested a similar, but less feature-rich, monitor at a lower price.
The Bottom Line: AI is rapidly evolving the shopping experience, offering unprecedented levels of personalization, convenience, and efficiency. From virtual try-
