Ecommerce News & Updates for January 2026

Google Launches Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP) to Power Agentic Commerce

1 days ago

Google is enhancing retail with agentic commerce, where AI assists shoppers. They introduced the Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP), an open standard for seamless shopping, co-developed with major retailers. UCP will enable a new checkout feature on Google product listings. The Business Agent allows direct interaction with brands on Search. New attributes in Merchant Center will improve product discovery, and Direct Offers will provide exclusive discounts to boost sales.

Facebook Marketplace Launches Holiday Shop for Unique Affordable Gifts

1 months ago

Meta Ads Facebook +1 more

Facebook Marketplace is launching its first Holiday Shop for the 2024 season, featuring unique and affordable gifts curated by real people. Young adults are increasingly searching for items like fashion and electronics. The shop includes collections such as Gametime Gifts, Family Finds, Tech Collection, and Vintage Gems. Users can access the Holiday Shop by searching in the Marketplace tab of the Facebook app and ensuring their app is updated.

OpenAI Launches Shopping Research Assistant to Help Find the Right Products

1 months ago

ChatGPT OpenAI +1 more

OpenAI's new shopping research feature in ChatGPT helps users find products by asking questions, researching online, and providing personalized buyer’s guides. Available on all plans, it works well for detailed categories like electronics and home goods. Users can guide the research and get comparisons, deals, and gift ideas. Powered by GPT-5 mini, it cites reliable sources but may have some errors. Future updates will improve personalization and direct purchasing.

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Pinterest launches AI-powered Pinterest Assistant to revolutionize online shopping

2 months ago

Pinterest Ecommerce

Pinterest has launched Pinterest Assistant, an AI-powered, visual-first tool that enhances online shopping by offering personalized, proactive recommendations based on users' tastes and saved content. It uses a multimodal AI model to deliver relevant shopping suggestions through voice, text, and images. Currently in beta for U.S. users 18+, it aims to make discovery and shopping seamless and personalized.

Snapchat Launches WooCommerce Integration to Boost SMB E-commerce Sales

3 months ago

Snapchat Ads Ecommerce

Snapchat has launched a new integration with WooCommerce, enabling small and medium e-commerce merchants to connect with Snapchat users and boost sales. WooCommerce merchants can create dynamic ads, sync product catalogs, and use Snap Pixel and Conversions API for better targeting. Snapchat users are highly engaged shoppers, making this integration valuable for reaching a broad, active audience during the holiday season.

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OpenAI launches Instant Checkout in ChatGPT with Agentic Commerce Protocol

3 months ago

OpenAI Ecommerce +1 more

OpenAI is integrating ChatGPT with Etsy and Shopify to enable direct purchases within chat using Instant Checkout, powered by the Agentic Commerce Protocol and Stripe. U.S. users can buy single items from Etsy and soon Shopify merchants. The open-source protocol allows merchants to maintain control over payments and customer relations while ChatGPT acts as a secure AI shopping assistant. This marks a step toward seamless AI-driven commerce.

Google launches store widget to boost shopper confidence and increase sales

3 months ago

SEO Ecommerce

The new store widget from Google helps online shoppers by providing key information on a merchant's website, addressing visibility and legitimacy issues. Businesses using the widget have seen up to 8% higher sales in 90 days. It can be embedded on any page and shows store ratings, shipping policies, and reviews. There are three tiers based on eligibility, and retailers can learn how to participate through the Google Merchant Center.

Retailers can win over strategic consumers this holiday season

4 months ago

Lead Generation Retail Media +1 more

Shoppers are more deliberate, with U.S. impulse buys dropping from 30% to 26%. Retailers can connect with consumers by using Google’s AI tools for discovery and advertising. AI in Search helps answer complex queries, while omnichannel offerings optimize sales. New insights in Google Merchant Center and expanded creative features enhance performance. Personalized loyalty programs are essential for retention, helping retailers succeed this holiday season.

Google Shopping launches AI try-on feature and price alert updates for shoppers

5 months ago

Google Ads AI +1 more

Google Shopping has introduced new AI features, including a virtual try-on tool that lets users upload a photo to see how clothes fit. This feature is available in the U.S. Users can also set price alerts for specific sizes and colors, receiving notifications when items fall within their budget. Additionally, starting this fall, AI will assist in finding outfit and room design inspiration by generating visual options and product listings based on user queries.

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