Shopify (TSX:SHOP)(NASDAQ:SHOP) stock has been climbing after the company unveiled a new integration with ChatGPT. The feature lets American users discover and purchase products directly within the chatbot, removing the need to click links or leave the app. For shoppers, the service is free, while merchants pay only a small transaction fee. According to OpenAI, recommendations are not driven by ads or commissions, making the experience more organic for users.
The move reflects Shopify’s broader strategy of weaving artificial intelligence into its platform. CEO Tobi Lütke has championed tools like the Sidekick AI assistant and the company’s vision of “declarative commerce,” where entrepreneurs set goals and AI handles execution. The ChatGPT partnership fits into this strategy by blending commerce with automation and positioning Shopify at the forefront of AI-powered retail.
Despite the excitement, Shopify still faces headwinds. In August, U.S. Customs and Border Protection began enforcing rules that eliminated the de minimis loophole, which had allowed shipments under $800 to enter duty-free with minimal processing. The policy change could increase costs for cross-border sellers on Shopify, particularly those outside the U.S. who depend on third-party logistics providers.
With shares now trading near all-time highs, investor expectations are already elevated. Any slowdown in shipping efficiency or higher costs for merchants could pressure Shopify’s margins. Still, the ChatGPT integration offers merchants a major visibility boost, while creating a more seamless buying experience for consumers.
For growth-focused investors, Shopify’s AI push could provide long-term upside, but near-term volatility tied to trade policy and logistics remains likely.
Tech Insider
