Personne effectuant des achats en ligne sur un ordinateur portable.

AI and online shopping: what are consumers expecting?

Personal FinanceSofinco
Publication date 24.07.2026

Comparing prices, getting personalized recommendations, or checking a product’s reliability: artificial intelligence is opening up new opportunities for e-commerce. French consumers already see several potential uses for AI that could support them throughout their online shopping journey. 

Can AI become a shopping assistant?

For the first time, the Sofinscope survey examined the role that artificial intelligence could play in the purchasing journey of French consumers.

The findings show that a significant share of French consumers already identify potential uses for AI during the shopping process.

What would french consumers trust AI to do?

Respondents highlighted several concrete benefits.

  • 62% believe AI could help them compare prices and find the best deals;
  • 56% think it could provide real-time answers to their questions while shopping (through a chatbot);
  • 52% believe it could reassure them about a product’s quality or reliability;
  • 51% think it could help them avoid scams and fake reviews;
  • 46% see value in receiving personalized recommendations tailored to their preferences and needs;
  • 43% believe it could help them identify payment solutions that fit their financial situation.

Why do these uses appeal to consumers ?

The expectations expressed reflect several needs that arise during the online purchasing journey.

Comparing prices, saving time, obtaining quick answers, and accessing additional information are all areas where respondents believe artificial intelligence could be beneficial.

AI is therefore viewed more as a decision-support tool than as a transaction tool.

An emerging opportunity for payments and financing 

The study also reveals interest in financial guidance. Nearly half of respondents (43%) believe artificial intelligence could help them identify payment solutions suited to their individual circumstances.

This finding suggests growing interest in the use of AI as a support tool for selecting payment options.

What does this mean for retail and payment providers? 

 For e-commerce businesses and payment providers, this shift creates new opportunities.

The challenge will be to make information about products, pricing, and payment solutions easily accessible and understandable, including for AI-powered tools that may assist consumers in making purchasing decisions.

Key Takeaways

  • 62% of French consumers believe AI can help them compare prices.
  • 56% expect real-time answers while shopping.
  • 52% believe AI can help them assess a product’s quality or reliability.
  • 51% think AI can help them avoid scams and fake reviews.
  • 46% believe AI could provide personalized recommendations tailored to their preferences and needs.
  • AI is currently perceived as a decision-support tool throughout the purchasing journey.

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