Google Cloud has launched its new Conversational Commerce agent, an AI-powered tool built on Vertex AI that helps B2C retailers offer smarter product discovery and more personalized shopping experiences. As artificial intelligence continues to transform retail, this solution aims to help businesses streamline operations, strengthen customer engagement, and drive revenue growth.
Albertsons Cos., one of the largest food and drug retailers in the U.S., is the first to roll out this new innovation. The company is using Google Cloud’s Conversational Commerce agent through its Ask AI tool, which is now built right into the search bar of all Albertsons Cos. store apps—like Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, Shaw’s, ACME, Tom Thumb, and Albertsons. By integrating the tool, Albertsons is reshaping how customers plan meals, discover products, and shop for groceries with faster, smarter, and more intuitive interactions.
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Jill Pavlovich, SVP of Digital Customer Experience at Albertsons Cos., highlighted the importance of the launch: “At Albertsons Cos., we are focused on giving our customers the best experience possible for when and how they choose to shop. By collaborating with Google Cloud to bring Conversational Commerce agent to market, we are providing our customers a solution that moves beyond traditional search to help them digitally shop across aisles, plan quick meal ideas, discover new products and even recommend unexpected items that pair well together. Our Ask AI tool provides personalized interaction and intuitive guidance that is transforming how our customers purchase groceries, ultimately making their experience more enjoyable and their lives a bit easier.”
The Conversational Commerce agent is the newest step in the ongoing partnership between Google Cloud and Albertsons. Designed for a wide range of retailers, from grocers to home improvement stores, the solution uses Vertex AI to create AI-powered shopping agents capable of detecting customer intent and engaging in natural, real-time conversations.
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Key features of the solution include:
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Personalized search and discovery – Powered by Gemini, the AI tailors recommendations to shopper preferences, suggesting both expected and surprising items that fit individual tastes.
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Multi-turn conversations – Guided prompts and natural interactions help customers refine searches as if speaking to a knowledgeable store associate.
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Smart Responses – Instant product comparisons and helpful follow-up questions guide customers to the best and most relevant options.
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Trustworthy information – Built-in guardrails and product data quality provide safe and reliable answers.
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Enhanced engagement – Early results show that more than 85% of Albertsons’ Ask AI conversions began with exploratory questions, proving the growing demand for conversational guidance in digital shopping.
Paul Tepfenhart, global director of Retail at Google Cloud, described the broader impact: “The future of retail is personal, predictive, and effortless, and AI is the key to unlocking it. Albertsons has been a phenomenal partner, helping us push the boundaries of what's possible with AI. The grocer is already seeing powerful results with our new Conversational Agents for Commerce tool, and we're excited to bring this innovation to the rest of the industry.”
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With Conversational Commerce agent, Google Cloud is setting a new standard for personalized e-commerce experiences, empowering retailers to connect with customers in ways that mimic in-store interactions at scale, online.
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