A transformative wave in online shopping has swept across the United States, with generative artificial intelligence (AI) driving a remarkable 4,700% year-over-year increase in traffic to ecommerce sites in July 2025, according to Adobe's latest data.
This milestone highlights the rapid adoption of AI chatbots and browsers, fundamentally changing how consumers research and purchase products online.
Rapid Growth in AI-Driven Shopping
Unprecedented Traffic Surge
Adobe’s analysis, based on over 1 trillion visits to U.S. retail websites, reveals a consistent upward trend in AI-driven traffic throughout 2025. From a 1,100% increase in January to 3,100% in April, the July figure of 4,700% compared to 2024 underscores the accelerating consumer shift toward AI-powered shopping tools. This growth reflects a broader acceptance of AI as a trusted resource for navigating the complexities of online retail.
Consumer Adoption on the Rise
A survey of 5,000 U.S. consumers conducted by Adobe found that 38% have already integrated generative AI into their online shopping routines, with 52% planning to do so in 2025.
Shoppers are leveraging AI primarily for product research (53%), personalized recommendations (40%), and finding deals (36%). These tools are proving especially valuable during the research and consideration phases, empowering consumers to make more informed decisions.
Enhanced Engagement, Evolving Conversions
Higher Engagement Metrics
Consumers arriving from AI sources exhibit significantly higher engagement compared to traditional traffic. Adobe’s data shows these visitors spend 32% more time on retail sites, view 10% more pages per visit, and have bounce rates 27% lower than non-AI traffic.
Additionally, 85% of AI users report an improved shopping experience, with 83% more likely to use AI for larger or more complex purchases, signaling a growing trust in these tools.
Narrowing Conversion Gap
While AI-driven shoppers are highly engaged, their conversion rates in July 2025 were 23% lower than those from traditional sources, a marked improvement from 49% lower in January.
This narrowing gap suggests consumers are becoming more comfortable completing purchases directly after AI interactions. Revenue per visit from AI traffic has also surged by 84% since January, now trailing non-AI visits by just 27%, compared to 97% in July 2024.
Mobile AI Shopping Gains Traction
Rise of Mobile AI Usage
Mobile devices are playing an increasingly significant role in AI-driven shopping, accounting for 26% of AI traffic in July 2025, up from 18% in January. As AI platforms continue to optimize mobile experiences, Adobe predicts further growth in mobile AI usage, particularly for impulse purchases. This trend points to a future where seamless, on-the-go AI shopping becomes commonplace.
Editor’s Comments
The explosive growth in AI-driven ecommerce traffic signals a paradigm shift in consumer behavior, with generative AI becoming a cornerstone of the online shopping experience. The data underscores AI’s ability to enhance decision-making and engagement, particularly during the research phase, while the narrowing conversion gap suggests growing consumer confidence in AI-assisted transactions. As mobile AI usage rises, retailers must prioritize optimizing AI tools for mobile platforms to capture this expanding market.
However, challenges remain, such as ensuring data privacy and addressing potential biases in AI recommendations. Looking ahead, the continued integration of AI into ecommerce platforms is likely to drive even greater personalization and efficiency, potentially reshaping retail strategies for years to come.
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