Shopify Unveils New AI Tools for Enhanced E-commerce Experience

Shopify, the leading e-commerce platform, recently unveiled a new suite of AI-powered tools designed to revolutionize the online shopping experience. Announced during Shopify’s biannual Edition launch day, these innovative features aim to simplify store creation and management while delivering a more personalized touch for customers.

AI Store Builder: Crafting Websites with Ease

One of the standout features is Shopify’s new AI store builder. This tool allows merchants to create a fully-functioning storefront with just a single prompt. For instance, a user may type “tennis gear and stylish athleisure,” and the AI will generate a ready-to-launch storefront automatically. From there, merchants can customize their stores using a user-friendly editor, shifting their focus from the tedious process of setup to customizing their brand’s unique offerings.

This functionality reflects Shopify’s commitment to making e-commerce accessible for everyone. As more small businesses look to establish their online presence, this AI tool provides a much-needed resource for those who may not have extensive coding skills.

Introducing the “Horizon” Theme

In addition to the store builder, Shopify launched a new public theme named Horizon in its Theme Store, which is packed with innovative features. Horizon is the first theme to incorporate “Theme Blocks,” which serve as customizable building blocks for online stores. This means that merchants can easily adjust the layout and appearance of their websites without needing to delve into any code.

With built-in AI assistance, the Horizon theme can take customization a step further. If a merchant envisions a dynamic banner with text and animations, they can simply describe their concept to the AI, which then generates the necessary code. This blend of creativity and technology empowers small business owners to create engaging, visually appealing sites with minimal effort.

Enhanced Capabilities of Sidekick

Shopify has also upgraded its AI commerce assistant, Sidekick, adding new voice chat and screen sharing capabilities. This means that merchants can interact with Sidekick audibly, making it easier to resolve queries on important issues like tariffs, a topic that’s particularly relevant for retailers today. The ability to screen share directly with Sidekick also allows users to navigate settings and features seamlessly, offering a more interactive and supportive experience.

These enhancements aim to equip merchants with the tools they need to confidently manage their stores, leading to better customer interactions and sales outcomes. Notably, Sidekick is now available in the Shopify mobile app, ensuring that assistance is accessible on-the-go.

As of early 2025, Sidekick has seen a significant uptick in usage, with monthly users more than doubling since its wide rollout in December 2024. This surge indicates the growing reliance of merchants on AI tools to facilitate their e-commerce operations effectively.

The Future of AI in E-commerce

Shopify’s investment in artificial intelligence isn’t merely about keeping up with technological trends; it’s about shaping the future of online retail. CEO Tobi Lütke’s recent memo to staff hinted at the potential of AI to optimize operations and maintain a leaner workforce, showcasing how AI can play a crucial role in the sustainability of business models.

As online shopping becomes more competitive, tools like the AI store builder, Horizon theme, and improved Sidekick assistant are essential in helping Shopify merchants stand out in a crowded marketplace. The goal is clear: to enhance the shopping experience for customers while streamlining the backend processes for entrepreneurs.

With these exciting advancements, Shopify is not just reacting to current market needs but proactively planning for the evolution of e-commerce. As online shopping trends continue to evolve, Shopify’s innovations set the stage for the next wave of retail experiences.

For more insights on AI in retail and to keep abreast of the latest trends in e-commerce, check out our articles on AI AI, e-commerce, and the future of retail.