Mars sees shopping lists disappear: AI takes over routine purchases

Consumers will increasingly rely on digital assistants for their daily shopping, while brick-and-mortar stores will need to focus more on the shopping experience and discovery. That’s the prediction from Mars, based on research into more than 180,000 data sources.

Two different worlds

Mars expects that over the next ten years, the way consumers shop will split into two distinct worlds. Artificial intelligence will increasingly take over routine purchases, such as restocking the pantry. Stores and digital sales channels, on the other hand, must evolve into places where consumers discover new products and seek entertainment.