Microsoft Unveils Copilot Checkout and Brand Agents
Shoppers are already buying with the help of AI, and the distance between curiosity and purchase is rapidly shrinking. Today’s customer can ask a question, compare options, get guidance, and decide to buy, all within a single AI-powered interaction. This shift is happening everywhere shoppers engage, from AI assistants to brand websites, and it’s redefining where and how conversions happen. For merchants, success now depends on showing up early in the journey and delivering relevant, high-intent experiences at exactly the right moment.
To help merchants compete in this new landscape, Microsoft is introducing two capabilities designed to move customers seamlessly from intent to action. Copilot Checkout enables frictionless, in-conversation purchasing, allowing shoppers to complete transactions instantly without leaving the AI experience, while merchants remain the merchant of record and retain ownership of customer relationships and data. Early results are strong, with Copilot-assisted journeys leading to 53% more purchases within a half hour of interaction. Copilot Checkout is rolling out in the U.S. with broad partner support, making onboarding simple and expanding merchant reach across the Copilot ecosystem.
Meanwhile, Brand Agents are being deployed directly on merchants’ websites. Designed to act like knowledgeable in-store associates, these AI-powered shopping assistants speak in the brand’s voice, guide customers naturally through discovery and decision-making, and reduce friction at checkout. Merchants like Alexander Del Rossa that have been using Brand Agents are seeing conversion rates of more than three times their norm. Together, Copilot Checkout and Brand Agents mark a shift toward agentic commerce, where personalized, conversational AI turns discovery into confident purchases and helps merchants grow in an AI-driven retail world.
Learn more about Microsoft Copilot here.
Honeywell Unveils AI-Powered Smart Shopping Platform for In-Store Retail
Honeywell has introduced a new AI-enabled Smart Shopping Platform designed to modernize the in-store retail experience. Developed in partnership with Google Cloud and 66degrees, the solution leverages Google’s Gemini and Vertex AI to help shoppers easily and quickly locate products, compare options, and find smart substitutions when items are out of stock, bringing the ease of e-commerce into physical stores. Built as a cloud-based solution, the Smart Shopping Platform connects retailers’ digital data with the physical store environment through Honeywell’s Mobility Edge hardware and software.
Honeywell Productivity Solutions and Services President, David Barker, said, “There is nothing more frustrating than roaming through a store unable to find the last item on your grocery list or forgetting the key part needed to complete a home repair. The Smart Shopping Platform addresses these pain points, creating a better experience for shoppers. Retailers also benefit from an ‘out of the box’ AI solution they can implement without having to maintain a team of AI experts.”
The platform also empowers store associates, turning handheld devices into intelligent assistants that help employees deliver faster, more informed service. By enabling quick access to product locations, preferences, and alternatives, associates can act as in-store experts and provide highly tailored support. The Smart Shopping Platform is the latest milestone in Honeywell’s ongoing collaboration with Google Cloud and will be available to retailers beginning in February 2026, aiming to boost basket size, streamline operations, and build long-term customer loyalty.
Learn more here.
Blain’s Farm & Fleet Earns Dual National Honors for Online Excellence and Customer Service
Blain’s Farm & Fleet has been recognized with two major national awards, earning spots on Newsweek’s America’s Best Online Shops 2026 list and USA TODAY’s America’s Best Customer Service 2026 rankings. The honors highlight the retailer’s continued focus on delivering dependable, high-quality experiences across both its digital platforms and physical stores. For the fifth consecutive year, Blain’s Farm & Fleet was named one of Newsweek’s top online retailers, reflecting sustained excellence in e-commerce performance.
Blain’s Farm & Fleet’s Senior Director of Digital Strategy, Andrew Hendricks, said, “This recognition reflects the intentional investments we’ve made to create a digital experience that is fast, reliable, and easy for our neighbors to use. From accurate product information to dependable fulfillment and customer support, our teams are focused on earning trust every time someone shops with us online.”
The ranking is based on evaluations from over 24,000 U.S. consumers and a detailed review of criteria such as trust and security, usability, fulfillment, payment, and technical performance. Blain’s also earned a four-star rating in USA TODAY’s America’s Best Customer Service 2026 awards, marking its second straight year on the list. Developed with Plant-A Insights Group, the ranking analyzed feedback from more than 32,000 consumers across key service measures, including friendliness, expertise, responsiveness, and reliability.
View the complete list of Newsweek’s America’s Best Online Shops here.
Original Article Links:
Conversations that Convert: Copilot Checkout and Brand Agents
Honeywell Unveils AI-Enabled Technology to Personalize In-store Shopping with Google Cloud
Blain’s Farm & Fleet Earns National Recognition from Newsweek and USA TODAY for Excellence in Online Shopping and Customer Service