Google AI mode is empowered with new agentic eCommerce features. Where UCP works as the new standard for eCommerce, and AI agents help shoppers engage with brand chatbots.
The goal of AI eCommerce in Google AI mode is to enrich it for online shoppers and eCommerce businesses.
We already know that AI mode enables deeper queries. It means that when a buyer is looking for a product online, they will not only get information but also get checkout options like online shopping.
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Key Takeaways:
- Google’s "New Tech and Tools for Retailers" opens the future of agentic eCommerce.
- UCP is the new standard protocol.
- Shoppers engage in online chats with business agents.
- Retailers get the benefit of new merchant center data to get discovered.
- Google Ads now display direct offers with exclusive discounts.
On January 11, 2026, Google announced the launch of new features for agentic eCommerce.
Google AI mode will help buyers make buying decisions based on information and product catalogs.
Google Agentic eCommerce and Online Shopping:
Google launched agentic tools for shopping during the 2025 holiday season. It tested and improved the capabilities of agentic payment systems.
Now, Google believes that agentic eCommerce is the future. It is time for businesses and users to adopt new features and settings.
Here are the new features and updates for eCommerce businesses and customers.
New Universal Commerce Protocol:
Google introduced the Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP). It is an open standard protocol for agentic eCommerce. It works throughout the eCommerce journey from discovery to purchase.
The new UCP standard is an eCommerce language for systems and business agents. It creates an eCommerce ecosystem that builds a connection between businesses, payment systems, and customers.
Under the UCP system, all commerce agents collaborate to work in rhythm. They are synced in a format that makes them work collaboratively.
UCP can also collaborate with:
- Agent2Agent (A2A) Protocol
- Agent Payments Protocol (AP2) Protocol
- Model Context Protocol (MCP) Protocol
Google co-developed UCP with:
- Shopify
- Etsy
- Wayfair
- Target
- Walmart
- Adyen
- American Express
- Best Buy
- Flipkart
- Macy’s
- Mastercard
- Stripe
- The Home Depot
- GAP
- Chewy
- Zalando
Future of the Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP):
Google will empower UCP with a new checkout feature to allow customers to buy products from Google listings. These listings are available in AI mode.
The checkout feature in AI mode will launch in the U.S. only for U.S. retailers.
Shoppers can make a payment via Google Pay or a wallet. Son, it will add PayPal and other payment methods.
Customers will also get related product listings to buy more products.
Branded AI Agent:
Google’s branded AI agent, known as “Business Agent,” will help shoppers chat with sellers.
It works like a virtual salesperson that answers questions related to products or brands. It is a direct way to engage with customers during sales.
Business agents have been active since January 12, 2026. You can engage with business agents of popular retailers like Reebok, Poshmark, Michaels, and Lowe’s.
Right now, business agents are only active for U.S. retailers.
These retailers can customize business agents to meet the business requirements.
Direct Offers:
Direct Offers is a unique way to generate sales.
When an online shopper visits AI mode to find products to buy, that is where they get to see ads in AI mode. These ads include direct offers.
AI mode will feature direct offers of a 20% discount on checkout.
Brands can customize their direct offers.
Why AI In Google Shopping?
Google shopping is taking advantage of AI technology to empower its business and increase user satisfaction.
AI mode is where the user lands only when they have the desire to do more.
This is where ads and shopping listings can work better.
To monetize the opportunity, Google has decided to launch product listing, ads, and business agents in AI mode.
Conclusion:
Be ready for AI-built future. When brands like Google are moving towards AI shopping, the other brands will also follow the same.
Google always displays the path that other brands follow to succeed.
In the case of AI shopping, only large organizations have a better hand as they can invest billions in creating user-friendly shopping AI technologies.
Right now, a seller can use Google product listings and direct ads to generate sales using Google AI mode.
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