Online shopping stories

Mastercard and Lobster.cash to let OpenClaw users authorise AI agents to spend on existing cards, backed by Verifiable Intent.

Megantic and Shopify APAC say Australian eCommerce brands must adapt for AI-driven discovery or risk fading from shopper recommendations.

Sunbeam, adidas and Canon have unveiled Mother's Day picks from an electric blanket to a camera, with prices from AUD $139 to AUD $1,399.

Retail shifts as AI agents move from recommending products to completing purchases, forcing brands to make catalogues legible to machine buyers.

Mother's Day shoppers are being urged to think beyond convenience and choose presents that reflect memories, personality and genuine appreciation.

American Express adds AI agent safeguards and purchase protection as it opens a developer kit for software-led buying.

Sydney skincare founder says chargeback scams have stripped tens of thousands from her AUD $500,000-a-year brand as fraud pressure builds.

AI skincare searches jump 2,647% as Fresha says beauty buyers are turning to image analysis, smart devices and app-led routines for guidance.

Shoppers increasingly prefer human-led social posts over AI-generated material, with Gen Z driving brands towards micro-influencers and niche creators.

Shopping sites top accessibility failure list as WebAIM finds 71 errors per page and disabled users struggle to complete purchases.

Superdry & Co turns to Verde Digital for SEO and AI search support as the rebranded retailer targets broader fashion discovery worldwide.

Australians wary of AI fraud checks as Experian data shows 56% have faced online scams or identity theft, with millennials hit hardest.

Megantic and Shopify APAC warn Australian retailers to overhaul product data and site structure as AI shopping tools reshape discovery.

Rithum brings in former Realtor.com executive Mausam Bhatt to steer product strategy as it ramps up AI-led tools and automation across its platform.

Smarter hosting choices are becoming a key edge for Australian online retailers, as speed, stability and scalability shape sales and customer trust.

Businesses warm to AI agents haggling over deals, but consumers remain wary of handing software full control of spending.

Receivers take control of Click Frenzy and Power Retail as both businesses keep trading while options are reviewed under liquidation.

Australia Post expands same-day delivery reach to nearly 90% of Australians after acquiring Rendr, adding evening and weekend windows.

AI shopping is set to deepen the divide between Australia's strongest retail centres and routine-focused malls, JLL says, as AUD $14 billion in deals draws investors.

Households under cost pressure are spreading purchases across multiple outlets, while promotions, online research and store visits shape buying decisions.