AI Query: “I live in Fort Dodge, Iowa and have acres of grass to control. Where can I pick up a John Deere S100 riding mower?” 

Retail stores without websites to provide this kind of information to AI bots, which are increasingly shaping online searches and intercepting consumer questions, are in for a wake-up call.

Not long ago, small retailers only had to focus on offering quality products at fair prices to build loyal customers. That evolved into online searches and shoppers everywhere embracing e-commerce applications to find products, compare prices, and have items delivered to their door within days. Retailers adapted to making their stores available to Google searches with websites and e-commerce. 

Now, shoppers are less inclined to start with their smartphone app or a Google keyword search and use AI instead. Searching through an endless list of websites for their needs, consumers simply have a conversation with an AI agent. While it might seem like another barrier for stores trying to reach online consumers, it actually opens the door for smaller retailers who implement e-commerce solutions that will intercept those AI queries and lead consumers to their door. 

Why AI? The numbers tell the story

AI-driven traffic to U.S. retail websites surged 4,700% between July 2024 and July 2025 and it has only increased shoppers’ adoption when they’re seeking product recommendations. AI search is expected to surpass traditional search by 2028, according to a study by Semrush, a digital marketing platform. And 75% of online shopping in the U.S. is done on mobile devices. 

It’s not just consumers using AI to search for products. In 2025, a Thryve survey of 540 small businesses showed AI usage rose from 39% in 2024 to 55% in 2025 and retail was one of the leading sectors of that increase. The same study shows 80% of small businesses using AI believe it is essential to reach new customers.  

The takeaway? Retailers need more than just a website. They need a shoppable and mobile-friendly, e-commerce solution that can also inform consumer AI queries. 

“I think in a year or two — three years, certainly — this whole concept of having an app that you tap and swipe or type stuff into is going to be completely gone,” Tobias Dengel, president of Telus Digital Solutions, recently told Retail Dive. “You’re just going to want to use your voice.” 

Most of today’s mobile applications and websites have been designed to be found by people through traditional search engines. The emergence of AI has changed those rules, and those already-established apps and websites now have to be discoverable by machines. 

What Makes an AI-friendly E-commerce Site

E-commerce essentials 

• Easy navigation and search: Filters, categories, and predictive search are non-negotiable. Building websites that make it easy for AI bots to view and search is also essential. 

• Clear calls to action and checkout: A smooth buying process boosts satisfaction and reviews. 

• Multiple payment options: More choices mean happier customers and better ratings. 

• Google Business Profile: Google still owns over 90% of global search queries, so having a profile is essential to being seen. 

• Supports AI Citations: AI bots crawl your Google’s local business profile and if properly linked they will crawl your e-commerce site to inform consumer AI queries by citations that include your business.  

Content optimization 

• Detailed product descriptions: Include keywords and specifications for better visibility. 

• High-quality images with alt text: AI relies on high-quality metadata including alt text for image recognition. Vectorizing images ensures they will work across all platforms. 

• Unique, valuable content: Avoid duplicates. Add guides, blogs, and FAQs to improve AI optimization. 

Accessibility and compliance 

• ADA/WCAG compliance: Screen reader support. 

• Privacy compliance: GDPR and CCPA standards for data handling. 

Technical SEO & AI readability 

• Structured data (JSON-LD): Helps AI and search engines interpret your content. 

• Clean URLs: They should be short, descriptive, and keyword rich. 

• Mobile optimization: 65% of global traffic comes from mobile, so speed matters. 

• Fast loading times: Optimize images and descriptions for quick page loads. 

• Security: SSL certificates build trust and improve rankings. 

Dengel says stores can essentially direct the AI to the messages they want to send with their websites, from the information they provide and how it is presented. 

Why Many Small Businesses Still Struggle

Despite the need, only 40–60% of U.S. small business websites are shoppable. Common barriers include: 

Given the need for AI-friendly online product information in today’s retail environment, and the obstacles to producing that kind of data begs a question: What’s the best way to meet potential customers online? Is it wise to shell out thousands for development and maintenance of a new website, or do you reach out to online browsers to coax them into your store? 

How PaladinShop™ Removes These Barriers 

Paladin Data Corporation® makes e-commerce simple with PaladinShop™, an online shopping platform built into Paladin Point of Sale (POS). Here’s what makes it different: 

With PaladinShop, your store is online 24/7 without extra cost or complexity.  Visit Paladin Point of Sale or call 800-725-2346 to learn more. 

“We should be encouraged that independent stores with an e-commerce solution that accurately mirrors their on-shelf inventory are included in the shopper journey even if online sales are meager. However, that means you should probably not invest in an e-commerce platform with a large out-of-pocket startup cost,” Butcher says. “Instead, consider implementing a platform with zero startup cost and realize that even with a pricing structure built on percent of sales, your overall monthly costs will never amount to more than a few dollars. Meanwhile your online customer visibility, in-store visits and sales, and shopper loyalty will increase.”