What Is Agentic Commerce?

Agentic commerce describes a way of shopping where AI doesn’t just help people find products. It can also complete parts of the buying process on their behalf.

Rather than searching websites, comparing prices and placing an order yourself, you might ask an AI assistant to find the best option based on your preferences, budget and previous purchases. The AI could then compare products, make recommendations and, with your permission, complete the purchase.

How Is It Different From Online Shopping?

The easiest way to think about the difference is this:

• Traditional online shopping: You do the searching and the buying.
• Agentic commerce: The AI does much of the searching and, with your approval, can also complete the purchase.

An Example

Imagine you’re planning a family holiday. Today, you might spend an evening comparing destinations, reading reviews, checking hotel prices and booking flights. With agentic commerce, you could simply tell your AI assistant: “Find a family-friendly hotel in Cornwall for August, under £250 a night, with free parking and a swimming pool.”

The AI searches multiple providers, compares the options, presents the best matches and, if you’ve given permission, can complete the booking for you. The goal isn’t simply to make recommendations. It’s to carry out the work needed to achieve the outcome