Visa Eyes 2026 as Breakout Year for AI in Shopping

The Facts

Visa’s survey of U.S. shoppers found 47% have used AI tools for tasks like finding gift ideas, with price comparison next in line for agentic commerce, their release states. Executive Jack Jenkyn called 2026 the year of AI-assisted shopping, Bloomberg reports. Visa’s Trusted Agent Protocol aims to secure payments from AI agents, TS2 Tech notes.

Editorial Perspective

This lines up with Lori Greiner’s world of consumer goods and retail shifts, where AI could reshape how products reach buyers. No specific Shark Tank pitches match AI shopping agents yet, but the speed of adoption—nearly half of shoppers already in—makes it worth watching for any DTC or retail hopefuls. Kevin O’Leary might eye the cash flow angles in faster transactions.

What This Means

Startups selling online face AI agents hunting deals, pressuring prices and margins. Consumers get easier gift hunting but want data transparency, with 60% seeking it, and scam protection. Families could see quicker holiday buys, yet more fraud risks ahead. Entrepreneurs adapt or get shopped around.