Amazon now lists 250 million products from rival stores, as AI shopping assistants start to compete for where people begin their shopping.
Amazon now lists 250 million products that come from other companies' websites, according to The Information. The move is part of Amazon's response to AI shopping assistants, which are tools that can search and shop for you. Amazon has kept outside versions of these tools off its site for more than a year.
While blocking outside shopping agents, Amazon has also found ways for its own customers to shop elsewhere. In recent months it has stepped up an effort called Shop Direct. The program promotes products from brands that sell on their own sites.
The pressure is growing. A new wave of AI assistants, including Meta's Muse, is raising the stakes for Amazon.
Where you start shopping may soon be Amazon or an AI assistant. That choice could shape the prices and brands you see. If Amazon shows products from other stores, it may be trying to keep you in its app even when the item is sold somewhere else.
The full article was not available, so these details remain open.
Amazon is opening its listings to other stores while keeping outside AI shoppers out, so compare prices before you buy.
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