Why an Online Shopping Assistant Is the Future of E-commerce Businesses

The digital retail landscape is evolving fast—and so are shopper expectations. Today’s consumers want instant support, personalized guidance, and frictionless checkout experiences. That’s where the online shopping assistant comes in—merging AI intelligence with human-like interaction to offer tailored, real-time help across devices. As shopping becomes increasingly hybrid and data-driven, these assistants are proving to be indispensable tools for both buyers and businesses in the US and UK.

Introduction: The New Shopping Reality

Online retail is no longer just about convenience—it’s about intelligent personalization. In 2025, consumers across the US and UK are gravitating toward a new type of shopping experience led by online shopping assistants—AI-powered tools that combine automation, personalization, and real-time assistance to simplify decision-making. From product research to price comparisons and even checkout support, these assistants are reshaping how e-commerce functions in real time.

With more than 55% of users relying on shopping assistants for product discovery and 47% depending on them for tailored recommendations, the trend is clear: digital shopping is smarter, faster, and increasingly AI-driven.

Market Outlook: A Booming Digital Concierge Economy

The global market for AI-powered shopping assistants is on an aggressive growth trajectory. Valued at $1.25 billion in 2024, it’s forecasted to reach $1.57 billion in 2025 and surge to $12.57 billion by 2034, with a projected CAGR of 26%. This growth is not isolated to niche markets—it’s deeply embedded in mainstream e-commerce platforms such as Amazon, Walmart, and Shopify.

The voice commerce segment alone is expected to generate $164 billion globally by 2025, a staggering leap from $40 billion in 2022. The UK is one of the top adopters of voice and chatbot commerce in Europe, while the US continues to dominate smart speaker penetration—with 75% of households expected to own one by the end of 2025.

How Online Shopping Assistants Work

An online shopping assistant integrates various AI technologies such as natural language processing, predictive analytics, and machine learning to interact with users in real-time. These systems can:

• Recommend products based on browsing and purchase history

• Compare prices across platforms

• Alert users about discounts or coupons

• Offer style or category-based suggestions

• Streamline checkout processes

Amazon’s “Rufus” shopping assistant, for instance, uses a conversational model to guide consumers in making decisions, summarize product reviews, and even answer category-specific questions. It’s projected to contribute $700 million in operating profits by 2025.

The goal? Eliminate friction from the online shopping journey—turning a 20-minute hunt into a 2-minute decision.

Key Benefits for US and UK Consumers

1. Personalized Experiences:

AI assistants don’t just mimic human agents—they learn preferences. For example, 43% of users turn to these assistants for finding deals, while 35% use them for gift ideas, particularly during peak seasons like Black Friday and Christmas.

2. Higher Efficiency:

By summarizing reviews, filtering irrelevant listings, and pre-filling shipping/payment details, online shopping assistants save both time and cognitive effort.

3. Enhanced Trust and Security:

AI assistants can integrate with secure payment gateways, recommend verified sellers, and detect counterfeit or low-rated products—an increasingly important feature for US and UK users worried about digital fraud.

4. Accessibility for All Ages:

Voice-enabled assistants are particularly useful for older adults or differently-abled users. The intuitive interface allows users to shop without navigating through cluttered websites or apps.

The Business Angle: Why Retailers Are All-In

Online retailers aren’t just adopting these assistants to enhance user experience—they’re doing it because it drives sales. AI-driven product recommendation engines have shown to increase conversion rates by 26% and boost average order values by 11–14%.

Moreover, chatbots can recover up to 35% of abandoned carts, and 45% of shoppers are more likely to convert when greeted by a proactive assistant.

Visa has taken this further by partnering with Microsoft, OpenAI, and Anthropic to roll out AI shopping support across partner retailers. The mission is to help users delegate entire shopping trips—from product selection to checkout—making online commerce seamless and intelligent.

Trends to Watch: What’s Coming Next?

1. Multimodal Shopping Assistants

Shopping assistants are evolving from simple chatbots to multimodal agents that can understand voice, text, and even images. By 2028, this sector is expected to reach $4.5 billion, driven by demand for seamless, hybrid interactions.

2. Augmented Reality (AR) Integration

More than 51% of online shoppers now use AR features to preview products before buying. This makes the online assistant not just a guide, but a virtual showroom assistant too.

3. Conversational Loyalty Programs

In the near future, expect AI assistants to automate loyalty point redemption, track reward thresholds, and suggest personalized offers in real-time—based on your chat history or voice command.

4. Retailer-Agnostic Assistants

Third-party assistants will become smarter, allowing users to shop across platforms like Amazon, eBay, Walmart, and Etsy—without ever switching apps.

Challenges Ahead: Consumer Trust & Control

Despite the impressive capabilities, only about 10% of U.S. consumers currently use AI shopping assistants, preferring traditional search engines (used by 37%) for product discovery. Trust remains a key hurdle.

Many shoppers still feel unsure about how much control AI agents should have over their purchases. A recent survey shows that 46% would be unlikely to delegate their entire shopping experience to AI, citing concerns over data security and decision transparency.

That said, 71% of consumers are open to using AI tools if they can reduce friction and improve personalization. Education and transparency will be essential to scale trust.

Where TaskVirtual Comes In: Human + AI Synergy

While AI assistants offer automation, the human touch remains irreplaceable—especially in handling exceptions, complex shopping scenarios, or multi-platform coordination. This is where TaskVirtual’s Online Shopping Assistant offer a hybrid advantage:

What TaskVirtual Offers:

1. Personalized Consultation:

AI-supported VAs understand your preferences, budget, and brand expectations.

2. Multichannel Coordination:

Shop across Amazon, Noon, Walmart, Etsy, and others without toggling.

3. Affordable Rates:

Services start at just $3.12/hour, making it accessible to solo shoppers and businesses alike.

4. Proven Excellence:

TaskVirtual boasts 364+ positive reviews and a 4.7-star rating on trusted VA platforms.

5. AI-Powered Browsing Efficiency:

VAs use tools like Honey, PriceBlink, and AI shopping plugins for optimal results.

6. Gift Planning & Subscription Shopping:

Automate gift hunts, recurring purchases, and holiday shopping—all under one assistant.

Whether you’re a busy executive or a retail enthusiast, TaskVirtual offers a human-AI blend that puts intelligence and empathy into your shopping experience.

Final Thoughts: Assistants Are the Future, Not a Fad

The rise of online shopping services isn’t just a tech trend—it’s a paradigm shift. As voice commerce, AR tools, and AI-integrated shopping platforms grow, these digital companions will become the default interface for digital retail in the US and UK.

Whether you’re a consumer seeking ease or a business aiming for conversions, embracing these assistants—especially with hybrid solutions like TaskVirtual—is no longer optional. It’s the smartest way forward.