Recently, Google dropped a major update: AI Mode in Search now supports conversational shopping, agentic checkout, and even an AI that can call stores on your behalf.

To put it simply: Google’s trying to make shopping feel as natural as talking to a friend — and skip a lot of the annoying parts.

If you run a business, a shop, or even work as a freelancer helping e-commerce brands, this shift is huge. Here’s what’s changing, why it matters, and how you can take advantage.

Conversational Shopping — Talk to Google Like It’s a Store Assistant

One of the biggest updates: when you’re in Google Search’s AI Mode, you can ask product questions naturally.

  • Want a “chunky knit sweater in olive green”?

  • Looking for “eco-friendly skincare for sensitive skin”?

  • Curious about “budget gaming laptops under $800”?

You don’t need to type in exact keywords or click filters. Just talk or type like you’re chatting with a friend. Google replies with images, price comparisons, reviews, and inventory info.

For your business, this means:

  • Customers can discover your products through real, human-style queries

  • You need to make sure your inventory, descriptions, and pricing are accurate and up-to-date

  • Listing your business well could get you discovered in this conversational way—more than just a traditional search result

The Gemini App Gets Smarter: More Than Just Suggestions

The Gemini App Gets Smarter: More Than Just Suggestions

Google is not just upgrading Search — it’s also making shopping in Gemini (its AI app) richer.

Now when you use Gemini to look for products, you don’t just get text-based suggestions. You get detailed, fleshed-out ideas with images, comparisons, and curated product options.

Why this is a game-changer:

  • This makes Gemini more useful for high-consideration shopping (like gifts, electronics, or style items)

  • As a business, if your products are well listed and integrated into Google’s Shopping Graph, they can show up in these AI-assisted conversations

  • It pushes brands to optimize not just for Google Search, but for AI-assisted shopping spaces

Conversational Shopping — Talk to Google Like It’s a Store Assistant

Agentic Checkout — Let Google Handle Price Tracking & Buying

One of the coolest (and most powerful) features: agentic checkout.

Here’s how it works:

  • You set a “target price” for a product — say, $40 for that sweater you liked

  • Google tracks the price over time

  • When it drops to what you want (or below), Google asks, “Do you want to buy now?”

  • If you say yes, Google uses Google Pay to check out for you — after getting your confirmation.

For customers, that means no more constantly checking prices.
For businesses, this means higher conversion potential — especially if you’re selling on platforms that Google supports (Wayfair, Chewy, Shopify, etc.).

“Let Google Call” — The AI That Phones the Store for You

“Let Google Call” — The AI That Phones the Store for You

This is wild but true: Google’s AI can now call local stores on your behalf.

Here’s how they describe it:

  • You search for a product and ask “near me”

  • You tap the “Let Google Call” option

  • Google asks a few follow-up questions to understand exactly what you want

  • Then the AI calls nearby stores, asks about price, availability, promotions, and more

  • After the call, you get a summary (via email or text) of what the stores said

Pretty futuristic, right? But there’s a balance:

  • Google’s agent discloses that it’s AI calling — so it’s honest.

  • Stores can opt out if they don’t want these AI calls.

For small and local businesses, this could be a double-edged sword:

  • Pros: More potential customers, especially those who want to buy quickly

  • Cons: More calls + real-time queries = need for store-level readiness

So if you own a physical store, it might be worth thinking about whether you’ll play along — or adapt.

Why This Holiday Season Looks Very Different

Google rolled out these features just ahead of the holiday season. That timing is not a coincidence.

Here’s what it means:

  • Shoppers will use AI-powered “shop assistants” to find gifts

  • Price tracking + agentic checkout means smart buyers will buy when the price drops

  • Local shopping may spike: people will ask Google to call stores instead of visiting multiple stores

  • Businesses that are ready for this (inventory setup, listing optimization, clear pricing) stand to gain big

If your business isn’t ready, you may miss out on a very different kind of holiday shopping surge.

What This Means for E-Commerce & Local Stores

Whether you run an online store or a brick-and-mortar shop, these changes matter:

  • E-Commerce Brands: You need to make sure your products are part of Google’s Shopping Graph. Use high-quality images, clear descriptions, and keep your inventory updated.

  • Local Stores: Be prepared for AI calls. Train your staff or set up a system to handle Google’s agent asking about stock, prices, and promos.

  • Retail Chains: Use this as an opportunity to sync your in-store inventory with Google’s systems — so your local stores convert more.

7. Risks & Challenges to Think About

It’s not all sunshine. Here are some real risks and challenges that come with this AI-powered shopping evolution:

Increased Pressure on Inventory Accuracy

If Google calls your store asking about item availability, you need to have real-time inventory tracking. If not, customers may be misled or disappointed.

Privacy & Transparency

Google’s AI discloses that it’s an agent — but some customers may still feel uneasy. Businesses need to decide how comfortable they are with these AI calls and whether to opt out.

Competing on Price

With agentic checkout, buyers may set very tight “target price” alerts, forcing merchants to monitor and adjust pricing dynamically.

Automation Overload

Stores may face a sudden flood of AI agent calls or price-match demands. Not all businesses are ready for that kind of automated shopping traffic.

Ad & Monetization Impacts

Sponsored listings will still appear in AI Mode — but how this plays out could change ad strategies for online retailers.

How You (or Your Business) Can Take Advantage Right Now

Okay, enough risk talk — here’s a playbook you can use to lean into these new Google features, especially if you run a business or help clients with marketing:

Audit Your Listings

Make sure your product data is clean: great images, current prices, and accurate inventory.

Prepare for Agentic Checkout

If you sell on supported platforms (Wayfair, Shopify, etc.), check whether they support Google Pay + agentic flows.

Optimize for Conversational Queries

Rewrite your product descriptions and landing pages so they better match how people speak — not just how they type.

Train Store Teams

If you have physical stores, train staff on what happens when Google calls. They should know the process, how to ask questions, and how to handle agent calls.

Build a Monitoring System

Use analytics tools to track how many “Let Google Call” requests you are getting, and how many convert. Adjust inventory, messaging, and pricing accordingly.

Create AI-Friendly FAQ or Help Content

Because AI-powered search will rely on structured content, make sure your website or product pages have well-organized Digital Hari FAQs, product specs, and clear bullet points.

Use AI to Test Your Product Descriptions

Use ChatGPT or Gemini to draft friendly, natural-language product descriptions based on how customers might ask Google about your product.

Why This Matters for the Future of SEO and E-Commerce

This update from Google is more than just a shopping feature — it’s a glimpse into the future of agentic commerce where AI doesn’t just help, but acts.

  • Search is no longer just keyword-based — it’s conversational.

  • Shopping is becoming proactive — AI agents do the legwork for customers.

  • E-commerce is becoming more efficient — from discovery to purchase.

  • Physical stores may benefit in new ways — via AI calls, not just foot traffic.

If you’re building brands, running digital businesses, or helping e-commerce clients, this is a turning point. Being early here gives you a strong advantage.

How Digital Hari Can Help You Navigate This Change

At Digital Hari, we help businesses and creators understand and leverage the future of digital — including the shift toward agentic AI shopping.

  • We can help you optimize your product catalog so you show up in Google’s AI shopping.

  • We can work on conversational SEO so your products are found in natural-language queries.

  • We can design AI-friendly landing pages and FAQ sections.

  • We can support inventory optimization and listing cleanup to better align with Google’s Shopping Graph.

  • We guide local businesses on how to handle “AI calling” from Google via Duplex — without overwhelming your team.

Final Thoughts

Google’s new AI shopping update — with conversational search, agentic checkout, and the “Let Google Call” feature — isn’t just a flashy feature. It’s a strategic shift. It brings the convenience of a shopping assistant, backed by Google’s scale.

For shoppers, it’s about saving time, finding what they want, and buying smart.
For businesses, it’s an opportunity — to be discovered naturally, convert more, and lean into a new kind of customer journey.

If you run an e-commerce business or manage product listings, now is the time to pay attention. The habits of AI-powered shoppers will define how shopping happens over the next decade — and those who adapt early will win.

FAQ

1. What is Google’s new AI Shopping update?

Google has introduced a conversational shopping system where users can chat with an AI to find products, compare options, check availability, and even complete checkout steps with almost no manual effort. It also includes an AI that can call stores on your behalf to confirm stock.

2. How does conversational shopping help buyers?

It removes confusion. Instead of searching through hundreds of results, the AI understands your needs, filters options instantly, and recommends the best match. It’s like asking a sales assistant what to buy — but online.

3. What is Agentic Checkout?

Agentic Checkout allows Google’s AI to handle steps like applying coupons, finding offers, choosing delivery options, and auto-filling information. The user only reviews and approves the final step.

4. Is this update helpful for small businesses?

Yes. Small businesses get more visibility when shoppers use conversational queries. When your product data is clean, structured, and optimized, Google’s AI is more likely to suggest your store in recommendations.

5. Will this impact traditional SEO?

Not negatively. It changes how content is discovered. Brands must now optimize for conversational searches, clear product data, structured formats, and trust signals. This is the natural next step of search evolution.

6. How can online stores prepare for this update?

  • Use structured data (schema)

  • Keep product info clean and updated

  • Add clear descriptions and FAQs

  • Improve page speed

  • Build trust through reviews

7. Does this benefit freelancers or content creators?

Yes. Freelancers who work in product writing, listing optimization, professional SEO, and digital marketing now have more opportunities to help brands stay visible in conversational search.

8. Is Google’s AI calling feature safe?

Google says the calls are made with transparency and follow communication policies. The AI introduces itself and keeps the conversation simple — similar to Google Duplex.