Lowe’s Leverages AI to Transform Online and In-Store Shopping
Lowe’s is ramping up its AI-powered tools to deliver more personalized and visual shopping experiences as part of its broader e-commerce strategy. Its ChatGPT-powered assistant, Mylow, launched in March, is already doubling conversion rates for online users. Lowe’s plans to enhance AI-driven visualization, allowing customers to reimagine spaces like kitchens or home offices in real time, creating a Pinterest-style journey from inspiration to installation. Mylow also assists DIYers by providing step-by-step guides, video tutorials, and product links for projects ranging from plumbing to flooring. In stores, Mylow Companion helps customers make informed buying decisions, improving satisfaction scores by 200 basis points and encouraging in-store conversions.
Personalization remains a top priority for 2026, with Lowe’s aiming to tailor website recommendations using first-party data and project-specific insights. The omnichannel approach ensures customers can shop seamlessly online and in-store, reducing repeat trips and increasing order value. Lowe’s Senior Vice President of Digital Commerce, Joe Cano, said, “If someone goes in and says, ‘What is the best French door refrigerator that has this counter height?’ We actually want to say, ‘From customer ratings, here’s what we are showcasing,’ because it will be the best thing for them.”
Lowe’s is also expanding its online marketplace and boosting video content for high-ticket items and appliances, giving shoppers more confidence in their purchases.
Albertsons Cuts Clicks to Speed Up Online Grocery Shopping
Albertsons is rolling out a new click-to-cart tool designed to make online grocery shopping faster and simpler by reducing the steps required to add items to a cart. Announced by Albertsons Media Collective, the product is built on the company’s “Add-It” technology for off-site media, allowing shoppers to add products directly from an ad without leaving the page they’re browsing. The feature initially supports display and product listing ads, with plans to expand to connected TV and social platforms next year.
General Mills is one of the first brands piloting the new solution, which aims to collapse the path from inspiration to purchase into a single click. According to General Mills customer marketing manager Janine Cushman, the new approach eliminates steps for shoppers. This new initiative builds on years of collaboration between the two companies, including earlier integrations that connected Pinterest recipe content directly to Albertsons product pages.
The click-to-cart technology enables shoppers to add multiple items at once, such as an entire recipe or curated shopping list, rather than a single product. That capability benefits both brands and retailers by increasing basket size and reducing forgotten items. While other grocers, including Walmart, are experimenting with similar list-based commerce tools, Cushman emphasized that brands will ultimately invest where technology removes the most friction.
Panera’s Circle Back Meal is a Nod to Year-End Work Culture
Panera is leaning into a familiar end-of-year workplace ritual with the launch of its Circle Back Meal, a limited-time, digital-only offering inspired by December’s pause on projects and plans to revisit them in the new year. The concept playfully nods to office culture while giving customers an easy way to order a curated meal during the busy holiday season.
Circle Back Meals are available exclusively through the Panera app through December 23 and feature a selection of fan-favorite menu items. The lineup draws inspiration from corporate-culture content creators @corporate.bro and @roxycouse.
The rotating menu includes popular choices such as the Toasted Frontega Chicken Sandwich, the Green Goddess Chicken Cobb Salad, and the Cinnamon Crunch Bagel. To mark the return to full workloads in the new year, Panera is also offering a follow-up promotion on January 5. Customers who place an order with the code CIRCLEBACK will receive a free sweet treat, while supplies last.
Original Article Links:
Lowe’s wants to do more with AI shopping in 2026
Albertsons Launches New Off-Site Click-to-Cart Tech
Panera Introduces New ‘Circle Back Meal’ Exclusively on the App