Latest news with #agenticcommerce
Globe and Mail
31-07-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Introducing Commerce, the New Parent Brand of BigCommerce, Feedonomics and Makeswift, Powering an AI-Driven Future
Commerce's open, intelligent ecosystem connects the tools and systems that drive growth and empower businesses to unlock data potential and deliver seamless, personalized experiences at scale Commerce unveils unified AI vision to enable every merchant to thrive in the agentic commerce era AUSTIN, Texas, July 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BigCommerce Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: BIGC), a leading open SaaS ecommerce platform for B2C and B2B businesses, today announced the launch of its new parent brand, Commerce, and that it has officially changed its corporate name to Inc. ('Commerce' or the 'Company'), unifying BigCommerce, Feedonomics and Makeswift to power the next era of agentic commerce. In connection with the name change and rebranding, effective on or about August 1, 2025, the Company's common stock will begin trading on the Nasdaq Global Market under the ticker symbol 'CMRC' and cease trading under 'BIGC.' This strategic move introduces a bold vision for the future where AI navigates choices for consumers and businesses adapt with intelligent, composable tools. In conjunction with the rebrand, Commerce also unveiled the company's vision and strategy for powering agentic commerce where AI acts on behalf of consumers to research, recommend and even transact. To support this shift, Commerce is focused on enabling merchants with the data infrastructure and intelligent storefronts needed to thrive in this next chapter of digital commerce. 'Launching the Commerce brand is about more than a new name and logo,' said Commerce CEO Travis Hess. 'It is a clear declaration to our customers, partners, investors and team that we are doubling down on innovation to give brands, retailers, manufacturers, distributors and wholesalers the flexibility, connectivity and care to help them move faster, scale smarter and grow on their terms. Agentic commerce requires a new playbook, and Commerce is here to deliver it with an open ecosystem built for speed, intelligence and flexibility.' Unifying Three Market-leading Solutions The individual BigCommerce, Feedonomics and Makeswift brands will continue to exist as three powerful solutions with a unified purpose: BigCommerce is the flexible ecommerce platform that grows with merchants. It is trusted by teams that value speed and scalability, empowering innovation without constraint. Feedonomics turns data into a competitive advantage, ensuring every product is AI-ready and optimized across hundreds of global channels. Built for both marketers and developers, Makeswift is the intuitive visual editor that lets whole teams collaborate to create cutting-edge, personalized digital experiences. Together, Commerce connects the tools and systems that drive growth, whether it is part of our family of brands or a trusted outside partner. Its open, intelligent ecosystem empowers businesses to unlock data potential and deliver seamless, personalized experiences at scale. 'Commerce is more than just another ecommerce company,' said Hess. 'We are a trusted partner, an innovation engine and a champion that stands behind what we promise, and one of those promises is to provide an AI-driven ecosystem that aligns innovation with outcomes.' Delivering AI to Drive Results The way consumers discover and purchase products online is undergoing a dramatic transformation. Traditional organic search is rapidly losing ground as the 'front door' of the internet. Instead, shoppers are turning to answer engines—AI-powered platforms like ChatGPT, Perplexity, Copilot and Google Cloud with Gemini—to find what they need and even buy it. In this new era, AI agents act on behalf of shoppers, searching, comparing, and even checking out across multiple channels, often without ever visiting a merchant's website. These AI-driven experiences are seamless, contextual and increasingly the default for how consumers interact with commerce online. For large retail brands and technology companies, this means that web traffic is already shifting as the old playbook of SEO and paid ads becomes less effective. The conversation is focused on regaining visibility and relevance in a fundamentally new digital landscape. Commerce offers a complete solution for the AI era. Feedonomics optimizes merchant data for every touchpoint and holds strategic partnerships with leading AI platforms. BigCommerce provides the operating system for merchants of record. Makeswift powers AI-optimized storefronts. Every merchant needs an end-to-end strategy with these pillars for success in AI-driven commerce. Over the last few weeks, Commerce brands BigCommerce and Feedonomics have expanded partnerships with AI leaders Perplexity and Google Cloud to help businesses capitalize on agentic commerce opportunities to meet consumer expectations and create a competitive advantage. 'At Commerce, we leverage AI where it delivers real, measurable results: powering personalization, automation and data orchestration across the entire customer journey from discovery to checkout,' said Vipul Shah, chief product officer at Commerce. 'By delivering relevant, context-optimized data to digital channels including answer engines, and creating agentic tools to help merchants optimize their operations, Commerce helps businesses adapt in real time and grow intelligently. We're not just following the AI wave; we're in the room with the product and engineering teams from the leading AI companies shaping the future of the internet so that we are positioned to help our customers win." Adventure brand Revelyst, the parent company of Bell, Bushnell, CamelBak and Giro; global consumer brand URBN, the parent company of Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie and many others; and Tapestry, the parent company of fashion brands such as Coach and Kate Spade New York; and Dell Technologies are already leveraging Commerce's product data integrations to improve visibility, protect brand consistency and boost performance across AI-driven search experiences. 'Since Travis stepped into the CEO role, he has assembled an experienced and visionary leadership team that came together with clarity and conviction to transform the company,' said Ellen Siminoff, executive chair of the board of directors at Commerce. 'The launch of Commerce is the culmination of bold thinking, careful planning and hard work during a period of rapid industry change. This transformation positions the company for a return to long-term, sustainable growth. We are proud of our progress thus far and look forward to continuous execution.' Conference Call Information Commerce will host its first quarterly earnings call under the Commerce name later this morning at 7:00 a.m. CT (8:00 a.m. ET) Thursday, July 31, 2025. The conference call can be accessed by dialing (833) 634-1254 from the United States and Canada or (412) 317-6012 internationally and requesting to join the 'Commerce conference call.' The live webcast of the conference call can be accessed from BigCommerce's investor relations website at Following the completion of the call through 11:59 p.m. ET on Thursday, August 7, 2025, a telephone replay will be available by dialing (877) 344-7529 from the United States, (855) 669-9658 from Canada or (412) 317-0088 internationally with conference ID 7863771. A webcast replay will also be available at for 12 months. About Commerce Commerce empowers businesses to innovate, grow, and thrive by providing an open, AI-driven commerce ecosystem. As the parent company of BigCommerce, Feedonomics, and Makeswift, Commerce connects the tools and systems that power growth, enabling businesses to unlock the full potential of their data, deliver seamless and personalized experiences across every channel, and adapt swiftly to an ever-changing market. Trusted by leading businesses like Coldwater Creek, Cole Haan, Harvey Nichols, King Arthur Baking Co., Melissa & Doug, Mizuno, Patagonia, Perry Ellis, Puma, SportsShoes, and Uplift Desk, Commerce delivers the storefront control, optimized data, and AI-ready tools businesses need to grow, serve diverse buyers, and operate with confidence in an increasingly intelligent, multi-surface world. For more information, visit or follow us on X and LinkedIn. BigCommerce,® the Commerce logo, and other brands are the trademarks or registered trademarks of BigCommerce Pty. Ltd. Third-party trademarks and service marks are the property of their respective owner. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains 'forward-looking statements' within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as 'anticipate,' 'believe,' 'estimate,' 'expect,' 'intend,' 'outlook,' 'may,' 'might,' 'plan,' 'project,' 'will,' 'would,' 'should,' 'could,' 'can,' 'predict,' 'potential,' 'strategy, 'target,' 'explore,' 'continue,' or the negative of these terms, and similar expressions intended to identify forward-looking statements. However, not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. These statements may relate to our ability to successfully execute our rebranding initiative, our increased focus on AI enablement, market size and growth strategy, our estimated and projected costs, margins, revenue, expenditures and customer and financial growth rates, our plans and objectives for future operations, growth, initiatives or strategies. By their nature, these statements are subject to numerous uncertainties and risks, including factors beyond our control, that could cause actual results, performance or achievement to differ materially and adversely from those anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements. These assumptions, uncertainties and risks include that, among others, our business would be harmed by any decline in new customers, renewals or upgrades, our limited operating history makes it difficult to evaluate our prospects and future results of operations, we operate in competitive markets, we may not be able to sustain our revenue growth rate in the future, our business would be harmed by any significant interruptions, delays or outages in services from our platform or certain social media platforms, and a cybersecurity-related attack, significant data breach or disruption of the information technology systems or networks could negatively affect our business. Additional risks and uncertainties that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements are included under the caption 'Risk Factors' and elsewhere in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the 'SEC'), including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 and the future quarterly and current reports that we file with the SEC. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date the statements are made and are based on information available to Commerce at the time those statements are made and/or management's good faith belief as of that time with respect to future events. Commerce assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date they were made, except as required by law.
Yahoo
31-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Introducing Commerce, the New Parent Brand of BigCommerce, Feedonomics and Makeswift, Powering an AI-Driven Future
Commerce's open, intelligent ecosystem connects the tools and systems that drive growth and empower businesses to unlock data potential and deliver seamless, personalized experiences at scale Commerce unveils unified AI vision to enable every merchant to thrive in the agentic commerce eraAUSTIN, Texas, July 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BigCommerce Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: BIGC), a leading open SaaS ecommerce platform for B2C and B2B businesses, today announced the launch of its new parent brand, Commerce, and that it has officially changed its corporate name to Inc. ('Commerce' or the 'Company'), unifying BigCommerce, Feedonomics and Makeswift to power the next era of agentic commerce. In connection with the name change and rebranding, effective on or about August 1, 2025, the Company's common stock will begin trading on the Nasdaq Global Market under the ticker symbol 'CMRC' and cease trading under 'BIGC.' This strategic move introduces a bold vision for the future where AI navigates choices for consumers and businesses adapt with intelligent, composable tools. In conjunction with the rebrand, Commerce also unveiled the company's vision and strategy for powering agentic commerce where AI acts on behalf of consumers to research, recommend and even transact. To support this shift, Commerce is focused on enabling merchants with the data infrastructure and intelligent storefronts needed to thrive in this next chapter of digital commerce. 'Launching the Commerce brand is about more than a new name and logo,' said Commerce CEO Travis Hess. 'It is a clear declaration to our customers, partners, investors and team that we are doubling down on innovation to give brands, retailers, manufacturers, distributors and wholesalers the flexibility, connectivity and care to help them move faster, scale smarter and grow on their terms. Agentic commerce requires a new playbook, and Commerce is here to deliver it with an open ecosystem built for speed, intelligence and flexibility.' Unifying Three Market-leading Solutions The individual BigCommerce, Feedonomics and Makeswift brands will continue to exist as three powerful solutions with a unified purpose: BigCommerce is the flexible ecommerce platform that grows with merchants. It is trusted by teams that value speed and scalability, empowering innovation without constraint. Feedonomics turns data into a competitive advantage, ensuring every product is AI-ready and optimized across hundreds of global channels. Built for both marketers and developers, Makeswift is the intuitive visual editor that lets whole teams collaborate to create cutting-edge, personalized digital experiences. Together, Commerce connects the tools and systems that drive growth, whether it is part of our family of brands or a trusted outside partner. Its open, intelligent ecosystem empowers businesses to unlock data potential and deliver seamless, personalized experiences at scale. 'Commerce is more than just another ecommerce company,' said Hess. 'We are a trusted partner, an innovation engine and a champion that stands behind what we promise, and one of those promises is to provide an AI-driven ecosystem that aligns innovation with outcomes.' Delivering AI to Drive Results The way consumers discover and purchase products online is undergoing a dramatic transformation. Traditional organic search is rapidly losing ground as the 'front door' of the internet. Instead, shoppers are turning to answer engines—AI-powered platforms like ChatGPT, Perplexity, Copilot and Google Cloud with Gemini—to find what they need and even buy it. In this new era, AI agents act on behalf of shoppers, searching, comparing, and even checking out across multiple channels, often without ever visiting a merchant's website. These AI-driven experiences are seamless, contextual and increasingly the default for how consumers interact with commerce online. For large retail brands and technology companies, this means that web traffic is already shifting as the old playbook of SEO and paid ads becomes less effective. The conversation is focused on regaining visibility and relevance in a fundamentally new digital landscape. Commerce offers a complete solution for the AI era. Feedonomics optimizes merchant data for every touchpoint and holds strategic partnerships with leading AI platforms. BigCommerce provides the operating system for merchants of record. Makeswift powers AI-optimized storefronts. Every merchant needs an end-to-end strategy with these pillars for success in AI-driven commerce. Over the last few weeks, Commerce brands BigCommerce and Feedonomics have expanded partnerships with AI leaders Perplexity and Google Cloud to help businesses capitalize on agentic commerce opportunities to meet consumer expectations and create a competitive advantage. 'At Commerce, we leverage AI where it delivers real, measurable results: powering personalization, automation and data orchestration across the entire customer journey from discovery to checkout,' said Vipul Shah, chief product officer at Commerce. 'By delivering relevant, context-optimized data to digital channels including answer engines, and creating agentic tools to help merchants optimize their operations, Commerce helps businesses adapt in real time and grow intelligently. We're not just following the AI wave; we're in the room with the product and engineering teams from the leading AI companies shaping the future of the internet so that we are positioned to help our customers win." Adventure brand Revelyst, the parent company of Bell, Bushnell, CamelBak and Giro; global consumer brand URBN, the parent company of Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie and many others; and Tapestry, the parent company of fashion brands such as Coach and Kate Spade New York; and Dell Technologies are already leveraging Commerce's product data integrations to improve visibility, protect brand consistency and boost performance across AI-driven search experiences. 'Since Travis stepped into the CEO role, he has assembled an experienced and visionary leadership team that came together with clarity and conviction to transform the company,' said Ellen Siminoff, executive chair of the board of directors at Commerce. 'The launch of Commerce is the culmination of bold thinking, careful planning and hard work during a period of rapid industry change. This transformation positions the company for a return to long-term, sustainable growth. We are proud of our progress thus far and look forward to continuous execution.' Conference Call Information Commerce will host its first quarterly earnings call under the Commerce name later this morning at 7:00 a.m. CT (8:00 a.m. ET) Thursday, July 31, 2025. The conference call can be accessed by dialing (833) 634-1254 from the United States and Canada or (412) 317-6012 internationally and requesting to join the 'Commerce conference call.' The live webcast of the conference call can be accessed from BigCommerce's investor relations website at Following the completion of the call through 11:59 p.m. ET on Thursday, August 7, 2025, a telephone replay will be available by dialing (877) 344-7529 from the United States, (855) 669-9658 from Canada or (412) 317-0088 internationally with conference ID 7863771. A webcast replay will also be available at for 12 months. About Commerce Commerce empowers businesses to innovate, grow, and thrive by providing an open, AI-driven commerce ecosystem. As the parent company of BigCommerce, Feedonomics, and Makeswift, Commerce connects the tools and systems that power growth, enabling businesses to unlock the full potential of their data, deliver seamless and personalized experiences across every channel, and adapt swiftly to an ever-changing market. Trusted by leading businesses like Coldwater Creek, Cole Haan, Harvey Nichols, King Arthur Baking Co., Melissa & Doug, Mizuno, Patagonia, Perry Ellis, Puma, SportsShoes, and Uplift Desk, Commerce delivers the storefront control, optimized data, and AI-ready tools businesses need to grow, serve diverse buyers, and operate with confidence in an increasingly intelligent, multi-surface world. For more information, visit or follow us on X and LinkedIn. BigCommerce,® the Commerce logo, and other brands are the trademarks or registered trademarks of BigCommerce Pty. Ltd. Third-party trademarks and service marks are the property of their respective press release contains 'forward-looking statements' within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as 'anticipate,' 'believe,' 'estimate,' 'expect,' 'intend,' 'outlook,' 'may,' 'might,' 'plan,' 'project,' 'will,' 'would,' 'should,' 'could,' 'can,' 'predict,' 'potential,' 'strategy, 'target,' 'explore,' 'continue,' or the negative of these terms, and similar expressions intended to identify forward-looking statements. However, not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. These statements may relate to our ability to successfully execute our rebranding initiative, our increased focus on AI enablement, market size and growth strategy, our estimated and projected costs, margins, revenue, expenditures and customer and financial growth rates, our plans and objectives for future operations, growth, initiatives or strategies. By their nature, these statements are subject to numerous uncertainties and risks, including factors beyond our control, that could cause actual results, performance or achievement to differ materially and adversely from those anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements. These assumptions, uncertainties and risks include that, among others, our business would be harmed by any decline in new customers, renewals or upgrades, our limited operating history makes it difficult to evaluate our prospects and future results of operations, we operate in competitive markets, we may not be able to sustain our revenue growth rate in the future, our business would be harmed by any significant interruptions, delays or outages in services from our platform or certain social media platforms, and a cybersecurity-related attack, significant data breach or disruption of the information technology systems or networks could negatively affect our business. Additional risks and uncertainties that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements are included under the caption 'Risk Factors' and elsewhere in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the 'SEC'), including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 and the future quarterly and current reports that we file with the SEC. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date the statements are made and are based on information available to Commerce at the time those statements are made and/or management's good faith belief as of that time with respect to future events. Commerce assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date they were made, except as required by law. Media Contact:Brad Hempr@ A photo accompanying this announcement is available at in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Forbes
24-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
From Shoppers To Systems: Inside The Agentic Commerce Revolution
Darko Pavic, CEO of Fiscal Solutions, Retail Tech Expert with 25+ Years of Experience, Innovator in Global Retail and Technology. In recent months, major players have rolled out tools that let autonomous AI bots shop and pay on behalf of customers. Visa, Mastercard and PayPal now offer 'agentic commerce' services: Visa's Intelligent Commerce APIs and passkey tokens, Mastercard's Agent Pay program and PayPal's agent toolkit all allow bots to complete transactions using tokenized cards linked to a consumer's account. AI Agents: The Next Generation Of Shoppers Amazon is testing an in-app 'Buy for Me' feature that uses AI to purchase items from third-party brand websites without leaving the Amazon ecosystem. Even ChatGPT is joining in, adding 'buy' buttons and product recommendations so users can find items through conversation rather than clicks. An early demo surfaced products that matched a user's preferences and linked directly to merchant checkouts. In short, the era of AI-surfaced product picks and automated purchases has arrived—and analysts call it a seismic shift in commerce. Disrupting The Buyer Journey This shift matters because it fundamentally changes how people shop. Instead of browsing a website or clicking a search ad, consumers will simply tell their AI assistant what they want. As one analyst put it, 'Search as we know it will inevitably give way to intent understanding'—AI agents will interpret the user's request and return curated options, rather than the old-fashioned list of ten blue links. This creates major challenges for marketers and loyalty programs. Brands that once relied on ads and personalized offers now need to figure out how to reach an AI instead of a human. Some merchants are already concerned, feeling cut off from their customers. Edgar, Dunn & Company notes that agents 'essentially eliminate' advertising placements, checkout optimizations and loyalty touchpoints that retailers traditionally controlled. As one strategist framed it, 'In a world run by AI agents, websites may become obsolete. We won't browse—we'll instruct.' That means brands may have to pay to integrate directly with AI platforms, rather than rely on SEO or display ads to drive traffic. Loyalty programs will evolve, too. Today's points-based systems are typically siloed within individual stores, but AI-powered tokens could make rewards frictionless and portable. Visa and Mastercard tokens, for example, can embed cardholder preferences and rewards, letting an AI agent apply the best deals at checkout without user intervention. In effect, loyalty points may travel with the user's digital wallet, not live inside separate merchant apps. Engagement will shift toward conversation. Instead of email blasts or app notifications, retailers may expose their product catalogs through APIs or chat plugins so agents can recommend on-brand choices in real time. OpenAI already invites merchants to let its OAI-SearchBot crawl their sites—or submit product feeds directly—so ChatGPT can index and suggest their offerings. Machine-To-Machine Commerce And Payments Powering this shift is a new machine-to-machine commerce infrastructure. Instead of manual checkouts, AI agents rely on tokenized payments, virtual credentials and secure APIs. Visa and Mastercard, for example, generate unique 16-digit tokens that function like virtual cards, specific to each AI agent and purchase. Visa's Intelligent Commerce API's allow users to upload card information through a secure passkey and then delegate spending authority to an AI agent, complete with built-in spending limits. Similarly, Stripe's Agent Toolkit, powered by its Issuing system, enables bots to create single-use virtual credit cards and complete payments with a simple API call. These methods conceal the user's real card number and give the payment network control over spending caps, merchant lists and transaction permissions. All of this hinges on robust digital trust. Payments experts stress that agentic commerce must include strong authentication and auditability. Networks must be able to verify which bot is acting on the user's behalf and log each decision along the way. Fail-safe options are also essential. Real-time cancellation features and transparent dispute processes will be critical for consumer confidence. Stripe, PayPal and others are already building 'agent-friendly' checkouts and advanced fraud protections. At its Stripe Sessions conference, Stripe announced an Order Intents API that lets agents programmatically complete purchases. PayPal has released developer tools, including a remote MCP server and its Agent Toolkit, to support similar scenarios. In this model, payment platforms turn the checkout process into a service call. The role of the cash register is reduced to accepting a secure token from an AI agent. Rethinking Retail Systems And Strategy The implications for retailers and tech vendors are clear: Everything must be retooled for AI shoppers. Front-end experiences need to be optimized for machine consumption. That means feeding AIs the right data—real-time inventory, pricing, images and specs—so the bots recommend your products. As one analyst put it, 'Winners will be those retailers that feed the AI agent the right data.' E‑commerce platforms like Amazon, Shopify and Magento will need to add structured APIs or data feeds tailored to agent search. In-store systems will evolve too. Checkout kiosks, for instance, may soon accept QR codes or wallet taps initiated by AI agents and automatically apply the sale to the user's linked account. Loyalty and engagement strategies also need reimagining. Instead of relying on customers to scan barcodes, brands should collaborate with networks to surface offers through tokenized payments. Indeed, networks are exploring tokenized loyalty points that automatically apply rewards when an AI identifies a match. Marketers should consider building AI skills or plugins that communicate a brand's values—such as sustainability or craftsmanship—so agents can make informed purchase decisions. Advertising may shift, too. Rather than bidding on keywords, brands could pay for access to APIs or prioritize placement in an AI's product graph. Customer engagement will grow more indirect. Agentic commerce is already live in beta and accelerating fast. For retailers, this is a chance to improve efficiency and customer satisfaction, but it also raises hard questions. Legacy POS systems, website checkout flows and loyalty programs were designed for humans, not software. Ultimately, the AI agent is set to become the ultimate personal shopper: fast, data-driven and always on. Forbes Technology Council is an invitation-only community for world-class CIOs, CTOs and technology executives. Do I qualify?
Entrepreneur
15-07-2025
- Business
- Entrepreneur
AI Agents Are Rewriting the Rules of Retail — Even for the Little Guys
Entrepreneurs need to learn how to use AI-powered digital agents so they can personalize service, automate tasks and reach more customers. Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. Successful small businesses have always found ways to keep up with new technologies and shifting consumer habits. Now, a fresh wave of innovation is arriving: agentic commerce. Thanks to breakthroughs in artificial intelligence and machine learning, this new concept could transform how consumers and businesses connect, especially for small companies looking to grow. Why agentic commerce is the new digital assistant Agentic commerce refers to a system where smart digital agents conduct transactions for people. These agents can compare prices, suggest products, make purchases and even negotiate deals, all while learning from what users like and prefer. As virtual assistants like Siri, Alexa and Google Assistant become everyday tools, the idea of automated, intelligent buying is quickly moving from sci-fi to reality. With agentic commerce, small businesses can deliver highly personalized experiences, something that used to be the domain of large companies. This kind of customization helps build loyalty and encourages repeat visits. Take, for example, a local bakery I frequent. Last fall, the owner started using a simple AI-based ordering system. I placed my usual order for sourdough, and the system suggested a new pumpkin muffin that was popular that week. I gave it a try (it was delicious), and now, every time there's a new seasonal treat, I get a friendly recommendation. It's a small touch, but it keeps me coming back. Related: No More 'Press 1 for Service' — Here's How to Bring Phone Systems into the Age of Personalization Running more efficiently One of the biggest advantages of agentic commerce is automation. For small businesses with limited staff or resources, AI agents can handle repetitive jobs like managing inventory, processing orders and answering common customer questions. This frees up owners and employees to concentrate on growth and strategy, while also keeping costs down. A friend who runs a neighborhood hardware store shared how overwhelming inventory management can get, especially during the spring rush. After adopting an AI tool, he jokes that he spends more time on the shop floor helping customers and less time counting screws in the back room. "It's like having a second pair of hands," he told me. "I can focus on building relationships instead of checking stock levels all day." Reaching more customers Agentic commerce can also help businesses break out of their local markets. AI-powered agents can serve customers in different languages and time zones, making it possible to sell to people all over the world. This global reach used to be reserved for big companies, but now even small shops can compete on a much larger stage. Not long ago, I met a jewelry designer at a craft fair who told me her online sales had doubled in a year. Her secret? An AI-driven chatbot on her website that could answer questions and take orders in Spanish, French and German. She said, "I've shipped necklaces to places I'd never even heard of before — it's wild." Technology truly does open doors. Related: 5 Powerful Ways to Streamline Your Work Processes with AI How it works in real life Picture a neighborhood coffee shop using agentic commerce. At the start of the day, an AI agent tweaks menu prices based on what's popular locally and automatically reorders top-selling beans using Visa's virtual cards. Whether customers place orders online or at the counter, an AI assistant helps them personalize drinks, recommends a pastry to go with their coffee and processes payments securely with a Visa credential. Throughout the day, the AI tracks what's selling best and lets the owner know if it's time to run a flash sale on slower-moving items. By closing time, the team has served more customers with fewer mistakes, leaving staff free to focus on hospitality. What to watch out for Of course, adopting agentic commerce isn't without challenges. Protecting customer data is crucial, so strong cybersecurity and clear data policies are a must. There's also an upfront investment of time and money to get AI systems up and running, and staff may need training to use new tools effectively. A restaurateur I know initially worried about data privacy with her new reservation and ordering system. She made transparency a priority by putting up a sign explaining how customer information is stored and used. "People appreciate the honesty," she noticed, "and it builds trust." Small businesses considering agentic commerce should look for trusted technology partners with expertise in AI and machine learning. Collaborating with experienced providers can make the transition smoother and provide valuable support along the way. At Visa, we're dedicated to helping small businesses succeed with the latest technology. Our programs are designed to give business owners both the tools and knowledge they need to make the most of agentic commerce, from cutting-edge solutions to educational resources. Preparing for the future Agentic commerce is still evolving, but small businesses that get on board early will be in the best position to benefit. The keys to success will be focusing on personalization, efficiency and expanding your reach beyond traditional boundaries. Here are a few steps to help you start your AI journey: Take stock of your current technology Define what you want to automate or personalize Find a reliable AI partner Run a pilot project before rolling out changes more broadly Evaluate the results and adjust as needed The world of commerce is changing fast. Small businesses that embrace agentic commerce today can unlock new possibilities for growth, innovation and long-term success in the digital age.
Globe and Mail
10-07-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Mastercard Incorporated to Host Information Session on Agentic Commerce and Stablecoins
On Monday, July 14, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time, Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE: MA) will host a session to explore Mastercard's recent announcements in agentic commerce and stablecoins and our strategy for driving the realization of these opportunities. The call will last for approximately 45 minutes, led by Jorn Lambert, chief product officer, and Raj Seshadri, chief commercial payments officer, and will include a Q&A session to answer questions related to this topic. The webcast link and call recording will be posted to the company's website at Conference Call Details: Toll-free dial-in: +1 646-968-2525 International toll: +1 888-596-4144 Conference ID: 9229765 A replay of the call will be available for 30 days and can be accessed below: Toll-free dial-in: +1 646-968-2525 International toll: +1 888-596-4144 Conference ID: 9229765 About Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE: MA), Mastercard powers economies and empowers people in 200+ countries and territories worldwide. Together with our customers, we're building a resilient economy where everyone can prosper. We support a wide range of digital payments choices, making transactions secure, simple, smart and accessible. Our technology and innovation, partnerships and networks combine to deliver a unique set of products and services that help people, businesses and governments realize their greatest potential.
