Is Agentic the Future of Commerce - The AI Generation?

John Debrincat
Nov 9, 2025
4 min read

Updated: Dec 1, 2025

The world of commerce is entering a new era. Amazon started online in 1994, and since then, we have witnessed many generations of online retail, or eCommerce. The last 15 years have seen dramatic changes in growth, technology, and user-driven capabilities.

The future of commerce may lie in Artificial Intelligence agents. Automation is trending, especially with the Agentic Commerce Model. Could we be moving toward a future where AI agents act autonomously on behalf of consumers and businesses? This transformation could change how decisions, transactions, and relationships unfold for users, retailers, and supply chains.

In this model, shopping shifts from “search and click” to intent and fulfilment. Consumers and enterprises will delegate tasks to intelligent digital assistants. These assistants can research, compare, negotiate, and transact, all while learning and improving from each interaction.

As outlined in the Future Commerce 2025 and Beyond - the AI Generation white paper, this transformation will reshape how we buy, sell, and operate across both the physical and digital worlds.

The Agentic Framework: A New Approach

The Agentic Framework was developed to overcome the limits of traditional eCommerce. It aims to give users back their time, enhance business efficiency, and create a more sustainable, intelligent economy.

This framework represents a shift from “click-to-buy” to “intent-to-fulfil”. In this new landscape, AI agents do the heavy lifting, while humans define the purpose, ethics, and values behind every transaction.

What Is the Agentic Commerce Model?

The Agentic Commerce model combines the power of large language models, behavioural data, and connected platforms to deliver highly personalised, autonomous experiences. Imagine:

A smart shopping agent that reorders groceries or selects sustainable alternatives based on your preferences.
A procurement AI that identifies suppliers, negotiates contracts, and issues purchase orders automatically.
A customer service agent that adapts language, tone, and product recommendations in real time.

The result? Frictionless commerce, personalised at scale, with improved efficiency for businesses and greater convenience for consumers.

Why Agentic Commerce Matters

For Consumers

Agentic-enabled solutions will deliver personalised, predictive experiences that align with individual values, lifestyles, and budgets. They’ll manage subscriptions, returns, and rewards, even suggesting when to replace items before you realise you need to.

For Businesses

Companies will benefit from always-on optimisation through AI-driven storefronts. These storefronts will adapt layouts dynamically, supported by smart pricing engines and automated supply chains. Retailers will transition from managing websites to overseeing autonomous digital teams that continuously analyse and act.

Opportunities and Risks in Agentic Commerce

The promise of Agentic Commerce is vast, but it comes with new responsibilities.

Advantages include:

Deep personalisation and inclusivity
Cost and time efficiency through automation
Dynamic new B2B and machine-to-machine markets

Challenges include:

Privacy, consent, and ethical use of data
Bias or manipulation within AI-driven ecosystems
Economic disruption and cybersecurity vulnerabilities

Success will depend on trust, transparency, and governance. We need to ensure AI systems act responsibly and within required boundaries, all while maintaining defined human oversight frameworks.

From Online to In-Store: A New Era

Contrary to early fears, Agentic Commerce isn’t the end of physical stores; it’s potentially their reestablishment.

AI agents will drive high-intent foot traffic, connecting online discovery to local stock availability. When an AI agent finds your ideal laptop, it won’t just order it online. It might book a demo appointment at your nearest store and apply loyalty rewards automatically.

Retailers that integrate live inventory APIs, booking systems, and loyalty data will thrive in this hybrid environment. Stores will become experience hubs where humans confirm, connect, and complete what AI began.

B2B and Logistics: The Hidden Transformation

Behind the scenes, procurement and logistics are entering their own agentic revolution:

AI sourcing agents identify suppliers and negotiate terms in seconds.
Smart contracts and autonomous audits ensure compliance and traceability.
Logistics agents coordinate freight, customs, and sustainability data in real time.

For transport and warehousing, this means new requirements for API-ready inventory data, route optimisation, and energy-smart operations. Procurement teams will evolve into AI policy architects and sustainability analysts, overseeing intelligent systems rather than manual transactions.

Technology, Energy & Infrastructure: The Backbone of Agentic Commerce

Implementing agentic systems will require new infrastructure and smarter energy management. Retailers will invest in:

Wi-Fi 7, 5G edge networks, and IoT sensors for real-time data
AI-powered kiosks and digital mirrors to enhance the in-store experience
Renewable microgrids and smart HVAC systems to offset increased compute demand

Agentic Commerce will make retail more electric and data-driven. However, it will also become more sustainable and efficient when properly managed.

The Transition Roadmap

Phase	Focus	Outcome
2025–26	POS and payment integration	AI agents can transact securely with brands
2026–28	Infrastructure & energy optimisation	Smarter, sustainable retail
2028–30	Human-AI hybrid model	Agents handle intent; humans deliver experience
2030+	Full agentic ecosystems	Autonomous trade between consumers, retailers, and logistics

The takeaway is clear: Agentic Commerce will redefine competitive advantage. Those who invest early in interoperability, sustainability, and trust will lead the next wave of intelligent commerce.

AI redefining commerce with agent drive solutions

Key Insight

Agentic Commerce doesn’t replace people; it reimagines their role. Humans set the intent, and AI delivers the execution. The winners will be the organisations that align technology with transparency, sustainability, and human experience.