AI Agents Set to Transform E-Commerce by 2030, Experts Warn
UPDATE: A groundbreaking shift in e-commerce is underway as agentic commerce emerges, promising to transform how consumers shop and businesses operate by 2030. This new technology leverages autonomous AI agents to manage tasks such as personalized recommendations and transactions without constant human involvement.
Latest insights from TechRepublic reveal that agentic commerce marks a significant evolution from traditional chatbots to intelligent systems capable of making decisions, negotiating deals, and handling complex processes like returns and inventory management. These AI agents actively learn from user behavior, allowing them to anticipate shopping needs. For example, an AI agent could evaluate a shopper’s browsing history, compare prices, and complete purchases while ensuring the best deals are secured.
Industry experts predict that this technological leap could reduce cart abandonment rates by up to 30%, significantly streamlining the buying journey. Major players like Mastercard, in a September 2025 analysis, emphasize how agentic commerce can “unlock the potential” of AI in retail, creating tailored experiences that seamlessly integrate payments and logistics.
However, not all forecasts are optimistic. A Gartner report from June 2025 warns that over 40% of agentic AI projects may face cancellation by 2027 due to rising costs and unclear returns on investment. The firm highlights the need for businesses to establish ethical frameworks and robust data security measures.
Emerging startups are also making waves in this space. New Generation AI, launched in 2024, aims to democratize agentic commerce, providing accessible tools for smaller retailers to implement AI agents for inventory and customer management. Recently, Swap announced the launch of its Agentic Commerce Platform, focusing on demand planning and supply chain automation, positioning itself as the “future of commerce.”
In real-world applications, companies are already harnessing agentic commerce to enhance customer experiences. For instance, AI sales agents are being used to create hyper-personalized shopping experiences. A Digital Commerce 360 report from March 2025 notes that online shoppers are now experimenting with agentic subscriptions, where AI manages recurring purchases according to personal preferences.
On social media, discussions about agentic commerce are heating up. Influencers on platform X are speculating about the potential for AI agents to dominate sectors beyond retail, particularly in fintech. One lighthearted post humorously depicted AI agents as a solution to “ugly Christmas gifts,” emphasizing the intersection of fun and practicality.
Looking ahead, industry insiders must focus on integration strategies. Experts recommend piloting agentic solutions in high-impact areas such as email personalization to maximize efficiency. Despite challenges, projections indicate that 95% of online commerce could flow through AI agents by 2030, presenting significant opportunities for innovation.
As businesses navigate this dynamic landscape, they must balance the excitement of AI advancements with caution. While companies like PayPal and major credit card firms are pushing forward, the real winners will be those who leverage agentic AI for genuine consumer value. Expect more updates and breakthroughs as we move deeper into 2025, solidifying agentic commerce as the next frontier in e-commerce.
