Advancements in AI have been reshaping various industries, and the world of commerce is no exception. With the increasing reliance on online platforms for shopping, businesses are constantly seeking ways to enhance productivity and customer experiences. Shopify recognizes the potential of AI in empowering entrepreneurs, and Sidekick is its answer to the unmet need for AI-driven support tailored for businesses.
Tobi Lütke, the founder and CEO of Shopify, emphasized the significance of AI for business owners, stating that AI is a remarkable boon for entrepreneurship. He believes that AI will transform how people build and grow their businesses in ways that were never before possible.
Sidekick is an AI-enabled commerce assistant designed to cater to the unique needs of Shopify's business owners. This virtual assistant can address various queries and tasks, from setting up discounts for holiday sales to providing step-by-step tutorials for email campaigns. No matter their level of expertise, business owners can now rely on Sidekick to streamline workflows, enhance the store's appearance, and make well-informed business decisions.
Shopify Magic, a suite of AI-enabled features integrated into the platform, accompanies Sidekick. This combination of cutting-edge AI technology and Shopify's vast data reservoir aims to make businesses faster, smarter, and more creative. The Summer '23 Edition introduces nine new Shopify Magic features, including personalized FAQ and response recommendations, instantly generated blog posts and emails for different occasions, and much more.
Glitch Anomaly, a UK-based lifestyle brand specializing in sustainable menswear, is already reaping the benefits of Shopify Magic. By leveraging AI-generated product descriptions and SEO optimization, Glitch Anomaly has saved valuable time and resources, helping them survive and grow in a competitive market.
Moreover, Shopify's Marketplace Connect offers a single app for merchants to sell products on major marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, and Walmart, simplifying order management and fulfillment. With this solution, merchants can reach millions of new customers without the complexities of handling multiple platforms.
The Summer '23 Edition also enhances Shopify Checkout, which already boasts a 15% higher conversion rate than other leading commerce platforms. With 17 new APIs and updates, Shopify Checkout becomes more extensible, enabling developers to create unique checkout experiences tailored to the needs of their businesses. Customized delivery options, among other possibilities, can now be seamlessly integrated into the checkout process.
To further support Shopify merchants, two new offerings have been introduced for the US market. Shopify Credit is a zero-fee business credit card with up to 3% cash back, developed in partnership with Stripe and accepted worldwide wherever Visa is available. Shopify Collective allows merchants to cross-sell products from other Shopify stores, earning a margin on each sale without the need for additional inventory or suppliers.
In conclusion, Shopify's Summer '23 Edition is a testament to the transformative power of AI in the world of commerce. With Sidekick and other innovative features, business owners can now unlock new possibilities and expand their online ventures like never before. As the era of commerce continues to evolve, Shopify remains at the forefront, reimagining the future of entrepreneurship and online retail.