In a move that could revolutionize the e-commerce landscape, OpenAI and Shopify appear to be exploring a potential integration of ChatGPT with Shopify's robust e-commerce platform. This partnership, hinted at by new code strings in ChatGPT’s public web bundle, suggests a seamless shopping experience within the chat interface. Here’s what you need to know about this exciting development and its potential impact on the e-commerce industry.
New code strings such as “buy_now”, price and shipping fields, product-offer ratings, and “shopify_checkout_url” indicate that OpenAI is wiring a native purchase flow into ChatGPT. This integration suggests a formal partnership between OpenAI and Shopify, rather than a generic affiliate link.
Shopify checkout mention, credits TestingCatalog
A leaked memo from Shopify CEO Tobi Lütke on April 7, 2025, underscored his commitment to embedding AI across the company and its platform. This aligns with OpenAI’s plans to make ChatGPT more action-oriented, fitting Shopify’s push for agentic commerce.
“AI will totally change Shopify, our work, and the rest of our lives…. We’re all in on this.”
- Tob Lütke, Shopify CEO
The competitive landscape is intensifying with Microsoft’s launch of its Copilot Merchant Program on April 18, 2025, and Perplexity AI’s “Buy With Pro” function introduced in November 2024. Additionally, Amazon has lately introduced its AI shopping agent called “Buy for Me”, further proving that there’s no going back with this development.
The integration could transform ChatGPT into a comprehensive shopping assistant, allowing users to discover, evaluate, and purchase products within a single conversational interface.
As ChatGPT becomes a central platform for product searches, it could attract significant advertising revenue, with e-commerce brands leveraging the platform's vast user base for targeted marketing.
European Shopify merchants could gain instant access to ChatGPT's extensive user base, enhancing visibility and potentially increasing sales across diverse markets.
Once this partnership is launched, it signifies a shift towards conversational commerce, where AI-driven interactions become integral to the shopping experience, offering personalized and efficient customer journeys.
The presence of live code strings in production assets historically indicates a near-term staged rollout. This suggests that the feature could be launched in the coming months.
This exciting new opportunity for Shopify merchants might change the sales decision making process. Arguably, the brands might become a bit less important while at the same time the importance of a great post-purchase experience is likely to increase.
As a result, it will be even more essential than today to have a robust fulfillment strategy in place. With the byrd x Shopify fulfillment integration, merchants can effortlessly outsource their fulfillment, ensuring smooth operations and timely deliveries. So if you want to be prepared and benefit form a seamless 3PL solution for your Shopify shop, just talk to byrd and we’ll find the best solution for you.
The potential partnership between ChatGPT and Shopify represents a significant shift in the e-commerce landscape. As the integration unfolds, merchants and consumers alike can look forward to a more convenient, AI-driven shopping experience. Stay tuned for updates on this exciting development and its impact on the future of e-commerce.