Episode Overview
Title: The AI Search Revolution | Fast Five Shorts
Podcast: Omni Talk Retail
Date: September 18, 2025
Hosts: Chris Walton & Anne Mezzenga
In this episode, Chris and Anne break down a new survey on the increasing adoption of AI-powered search tools and discuss how these platforms are rapidly becoming a retail force to be reckoned with. They debate AI’s disruptive threat to Google, the generational differences in adoption, and what the rise of agentic AI means for retailers on the cusp of a fundamental shift in consumer behavior.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. AI Search Tools vs. Google: Adoption and Preferences
00:00
- Main finding: A recent survey from the SEO agency Ethical reveals that while Google is still dominant (used by 86% of respondents in the US and UK), 81% have used AI-powered search tools in the past three months.
- Generational breakdown:
- 63% of Gen Z
- 68% of Millennials
- Only 46% of Baby Boomers use AI search tools frequently.
- Perceived experience: Almost 45% say AI tools provide a superior search experience to Google, citing greater speed and clarity.
- Shopping impact: Nearly 60% use AI tools to research products or services before buying.
Quote - Anne (00:00):
“Almost half of AI search tool users prefer them to Google... nearly 60% of respondents told Ethical that they use AI tools to research products or services before buying.”
2. Rapid Disruption and the "Agentic AI" Question
01:09 - 02:19
- Hosts not surprised: Both Anne and Chris agree the findings are unsurprising, noting widespread anecdotal evidence among family and friends.
- Agentic AI potential: Chris calls out the skeptics – especially on LinkedIn – who downplay agentic AI, suggesting that mass disruption has yet to begin.
- The amplification factor: As agentic AI (AIs acting on behalf of users) takes off, usage numbers are expected to rise rapidly.
Quote - Chris (01:27):
“I’m not surprised... My big question for me... is the agentic AI movement. We’re not even in any one of that yet. And that potentially is still going to happen.”
Quote - Chris (02:09):
“I’m buying this headline. I think it’s very important. It’s very disruptive and it’s only going to become more disruptive... I think you’re kind of risking things a little bit there. I’d be hedging on this.”
3. Evolving Customer Journey & The Buying Experience Gap
02:23 - 03:31
- Transactional limitations: Anne highlights that, despite surging use, most AI search tools don’t yet offer seamless buying (“transacting”) capabilities—users can’t always “click and buy” directly.
- Anticipated surge: Both predict adoption will spike further as AI tools close this gap and as e-commerce activity rises, especially during holiday shopping.
- Feedback loop: The data will be more telling after a full holiday season with widespread AI tool availability.
Quote - Anne (02:23):
“They’re already getting this much traffic when you can’t even just click and buy in all of them yet. So... as that process becomes more fluid... that’s really where things are going to continue to light up.”
4. The Impending Era of Agentic Shopping
03:31 - 04:07
- Retailer preparedness: Anne stresses that businesses need to prep for a world where agentic AIs shop for and with customers, or risk being left behind.
- Strategic shifts: Anne references a recent interview with Instacart exec Ryan Hamburger, noting that Instacart and others are proactively thinking about how agents will shape the consumer-retailer connection.
Quote - Anne (03:44):
“If you aren’t thinking about how you’re going to prepare for a world where agents are shopping on behalf of your customers... you’re going to be in a whole heap of trouble... even six months or a year from now.”
5. Pricing Pressure, Platform Alignment & Industry Signals
04:07 - 04:39
- Industry signals: Chris brings up Instacart CEO Chris Rogers’ public call for retailers to match in-store and Instacart pricing, highlighting a shift in anticipation of agentic AI.
- Preparedness imperative: The move is interpreted as being ahead of the curve for AI’s impact on price comparison and loyalty.
Quote - Chris (04:07):
“Newsflash, there’s... no surprise that Instacart CEO Chris Rogers was out in the media this week saying that retailers need to keep their prices the same in store as they are on Instacart... because of the eventuality of agentic AI coming... So they’re preparing for that eventuality.”
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- Anne (00:00): “Almost half of AI search tool users prefer them to Google... nearly 60% of respondents told Ethical that they use AI tools to research products or services before buying.”
- Chris (01:27): “I’m not surprised... My big question for me... is the agentic AI movement. We’re not even in any one of that yet.”
- Chris (02:09): “I’m buying this headline. I think it’s very important. It’s very disruptive and it’s only going to become more disruptive...”
- Anne (02:23): “They’re already getting this much traffic when you can’t even just click and buy in all of them yet... as that process becomes more fluid... that’s really where things are going to continue to light up.”
- Anne (03:44): “If you aren’t thinking about how you’re going to prepare for a world where agents are shopping on behalf of your customers... you’re going to be in a whole heap of trouble...”
- Chris (04:07): “Newsflash... Instacart CEO Chris Rogers was out in the media this week saying that retailers need to keep their prices the same in store as they are on Instacart... because of the eventuality of agentic AI coming...”
Timestamps for Important Segments
- 00:00 — Survey findings: Google vs. AI search adoption and public preferences
- 01:09 — Are the results surprising? Hosts’ perspectives and agentic AI discussion
- 02:23 — AI search tools’ current limitations and expectations for holiday season use
- 03:31 — Preparing for agentic AI: Advice for retailers
- 04:07 — Instacart’s pricing strategy and industry signals of impending AI disruption
Tone & Style
The episode’s tone is conversational, analytical, and slightly urgent, with both hosts blending statistical insights with bold predictions and candid advice. The discussion is lively but clear, emphasizing action for retailers and calling out the fast-approaching impact of AI-driven search and agentic shopping on the retail landscape.