Retailers tap AI shopping traffic but fight to keep customer data
Retailers are adapting to increased online traffic from AI platforms like ChatGPT and Google's Gemini, while striving to retain customer data from purchases. Companies such as Walmart, Ulta Beauty, and Wayfair are enhancing their websites to rank higher in chatbot searches, as shoppers are projected to spend $8 billion this year through AI referrals. Retailers emphasize the importance of maintaining direct customer relationships by encouraging transactions on their own sites, despite the allure of AI-driven traffic.