2026 will prove whether AI checkout is here to stay
This Modern Retail article examines whether AI-powered checkout can move beyond experimentation and become a lasting part of retail operations. It highlights the balance between innovation, trust, and customer experience. Connect with COR Concepts to discuss how AI can support the future of work in customer-facing environments.
Will AI checkout become mainstream in 2026?
2026 is anticipated to be a pivotal year for AI checkout, as it will be the first full year that shoppers can complete transactions within AI platforms like ChatGPT and Perplexity without additional fees. In 2025, surveys indicated that between 33% to 83% of respondents utilized AI for holiday shopping, showing a growing comfort with AI shopping. The success of AI checkout will depend on whether shoppers are ready to click 'buy' within these platforms.
What challenges do brands face with AI checkout?
Brands face several challenges with AI checkout, including limited access to customer data and insights. For instance, when customers check out through platforms like Perplexity, the transaction appears as if it is from a Perplexity employee, making it difficult for brands to identify their customers. Additionally, many brands are concerned about losing control over customer relationships and the data that comes from direct sales.
How are brands preparing for AI checkout?
Brands are focusing on improving their visibility in AI search results through generative engine optimization (GEO). This includes creating high-quality content and ensuring their products are well-represented in AI-generated results. For example, brands like Brooklinen are investing in editorial content and optimizing their online presence to rank higher in AI searches, which is crucial as more companies enable checkout through AI platforms.
2026 will prove whether AI checkout is here to stay
published by COR Concepts
COR Concepts provides Information Governance, Records Management and Enterprise Content Management (ECM) consulting and training services. The company is built on the belief that any Information, Records or Document Management initiative should be designed to extract the maximum business benefit for the organization.
We bring together Compliance, Risk Management and Operational information requirements in a way that delivers benefits to each one of these diverse business units. Our approach is to use an array of industry standards and best practice methodologies to ensure that each implementation will stand the test of time.
We see information governance and records management as an integral part of any Enterprise Content Management implementation and focus on building a solid platform including a records management policy, records management procedures, file plans and a solid change management infrastructure. Building and implementing governance structures is becoming essential for success and we design structures to ensure that all governance aspects are included.
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