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Oct 08, 2025
4 minutes read

AI agents: The accelerators of conversational commerce

The way consumers search for and process information online is rapidly changing thanks to AI. Where we used to type in search terms, scroll through dozens of results, and manually filter them, we are now getting used to having conversations. With ChatGPT, Google’s AI features, and other assistants, answers come faster and are more relevant. That same way of interacting is now taking over e-commerce at high speed. For retailers, this is the moment to step in: the web shop as we know it—where customers have to actively search themselves—is giving way to personal conversations that directly lead to action.

Tom Faas
Tom Faas,
Product Marketer

From search engine to conversation partner

The shift from passive to active, personalised information delivery is in full swing. Instead of browsing web pages to check facts, cook a recipe, or find vacation tips, we now increasingly ask AI. We explain what we want to know, what information matters to us, and why. The AI assistant then provides an answer or advice we can use—or follow up on with new questions. This way of finding and deciding is now also shaping how we shop online.

How AI and commerce are converging

What CM.com talked about ten years ago—a future where conversations form the core of online shopping—has now become reality. No more digging through hundreds of product pages, but simply asking an AI agent to curate the best selection for you. This might sound futuristic, but it’s already happening. ChatGPT and Google Shopping are clear examples.

Conversational commerce is accelerating: AI is no longer just an information source, but a personal shopping buddy that takes decisions off your plate and performs actions, such as adding products to your cart, sending a payment link, or creating a return label.

Opportunities for retailers

For retailers, AI agents bring major advantages, including:

  • Improved customer experience: Guiding shoppers naturally and personally through their journey.

  • Cost savings: Tasks once handled by staff, like returns or order updates, are now automated.

  • Higher conversion: Less choice overload means customers find the right product faster.

  • Extended service: AI agents don’t just answer questions—they take action, like updating customer data, planning appointments, or sending payment links.

In short: AI agents are far more than smart chatbots. They merge the power of personal conversation with direct action—helping customers faster, easing the workload for employees, and boosting satisfaction.

From complex to accessible: Lowering the barrier

Integrating AI agents is easier than you might think. You don’t need to set up an entire AI-driven customer service team to reap the benefits. Starting small—with one agent taking over a specific task—is an option. From there, you can scale step by step, building experience and seeing results quickly.

HALO: The AI platform for personal customer conversations

Our Agentic AI platform HALO makes this tangible and accessible. It combines data, automation, and self-acting AI agents in a single environment. With HALO, you build AI agents that don’t just give answers, but actually do things for your customers: from tailored product advice to creating return labels or canceling an order.

Full transparency and control

No matter what type of AI agent you build, HALO keeps everything transparent. The platform shows you exactly which interactions take place and what data powers the answers. Want sharper, richer, or better responses? Simply give feedback in natural language. This way, you stay in control while your service value scales rapidly.

Kickstart with template agents

Want to get started even faster? HALO offers pre-built template agents for common retail and e-commerce tasks. Examples include:

  • A “Where is my order” agent that retrieves order status in real time.

  • A Shopping Assistant agent that guides customers straight to the right product.

  • An Appointment Planner agent that schedules and reschedules with ease.

  • A FAQ Agent that ditches static menus and provides personalised answers in your brand voice.

Prepare for the future of e-commerce with HALO

The adoption of conversational commerce is skyrocketing. Those who act now gain an edge over competitors. With AI-driven conversational commerce, you build direct customer relationships, create smoother journeys, and position yourself as an innovative player. Whether you start small with a single AI agent or roll out several at once—with HALO, you’re ready for the next big thing in e-commerce.

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Tom Faas
Tom Faas,
Product Marketer
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Is product marketer for the CM.com Mobile Marketing Cloud. Tom connects the dots between the product, marketing and sales teams.

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