Google has announced new shopping features designed to help last-minute holiday shoppers make smarter purchasing decisions. According to their research, while 38% of late shoppers default to gift cards, the company has developed tools to provide more thoughtful alternatives.
AI-Enhanced Gift Recommendations
The tech giant has introduced an AI Overview feature for U.S. shoppers struggling with gift ideas. Users can now input specific descriptive searches like "gifts for an 11-year-old boy who loves soccer" to receive personalized gift suggestions ranging from sports equipment to experiential presents like coaching sessions.
Fast Delivery Solutions
Research shows that 28% of shoppers depend on rapid shipping or same-day pickup options for last-minute gifts. Google has responded by implementing a "Get it fast" filter on both Search and Google Shopping platforms. This feature filters results to show only items available for immediate local pickup or quick shipping, with specific indicators for December 24 delivery as the holiday approaches.
In-Store Shopping Enhancement
With 76% of holiday shoppers visiting local stores for last-minute purchases, Google has enhanced its in-store shopping experience through Google Lens technology. This feature enables shoppers to:
- Access instant product information
- Compare prices across stores
- Check stock availability
- Read product reviews
The Lens feature currently supports beauty products, toys, and electronics for U.S. users who opt to share their precise location.
Package Tracking Integration
Google has integrated package tracking directly into Gmail, offering U.S. users clear delivery updates within their shopping emails. The company has also introduced new summary cards for purchases, streamlining the tracking process for multiple orders.
Location-Based Shopping Tools
To improve the efficiency of in-person shopping, Google Maps now allows users to search for specific products and verify their availability in nearby stores. This feature helps shoppers plan their routes more effectively and ensure product availability before leaving home.
These updates reflect Google's commitment to modernizing the holiday shopping experience while addressing the specific challenges faced by last-minute shoppers.
