AI-Driven Retail and Agentic Commerce Surge Toward Trillion-Dollar Future

Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming the retail sector, creating new opportunities and reshaping customer experiences across various markets. In South Africa, leading online retailers are adopting AI-powered retail media platforms to enhance ad targeting and personalize shopper engagement, capitalizing on the surge in ecommerce. Globally, the AI-driven retail market is projected to reach $40.74 billion by 2030, with agentic commerce—autonomous AI systems managing retail tasks—emerging as a core innovation supported by major tech companies like Microsoft, Amazon, and NVIDIA. Retailers are also integrating advanced AI tools such as smart consultation systems and customization programs, exemplified by Ray-Ban's new boutique in Montreal, which blends digital personalization with physical retail. Meanwhile, generative AI platforms like ChatGPT are beginning to enable seamless, in-chat online purchases with integrated checkout systems, signaling a seismic shift in the internet shopping experience by reducing friction in transactions. These developments suggest a future where AI not only enhances marketing and operational efficiency but also fundamentally changes how consumers shop and interact with brands.