Shopify has launched a suite of AI-powered features aimed at simplifying how merchants create, manage, and customize their online stores. The updates were introduced as part of Shopify Editions, the company’s biannual showcase of platform changes. Among the most notable additions is an AI-driven store builder that allows users to generate a functional storefront from a single written prompt.
The new AI store builder is designed to lower the barrier to entry for sellers who may not have design or technical expertise. Users begin by describing their brand—for instance, “eco-friendly home goods” or “tennis gear and stylish athleisure”—and the system generates a pre-built online store, ready for manual adjustments through Shopify’s editor. While the tool provides a fast starting point, merchants are still expected to fine-tune design elements to suit their specific brand identity.
Shopify also released a new theme called “Horizon,” available through its Theme Store. Horizon introduces “Theme Blocks,” modular components that let merchants configure the look and feel of their store without writing any code. These blocks can be further refined with AI assistance—merchants can describe what they want, such as a banner with text and animation, and the system generates the necessary code automatically. This approach is meant to offer more flexibility while reducing reliance on external developers.
Another key upgrade centers on Sidekick, Shopify’s AI commerce assistant, which now supports voice chat and screen sharing. The assistant can respond to spoken questions, direct users to relevant resources, and walk them through navigation tasks. For example, if a merchant has questions about tariffs or taxes, Sidekick can offer verbal guidance and help them locate settings within the platform. These capabilities are now integrated into the Shopify mobile app, expanding access across devices.
Sidekick, first introduced widely in late 2024, has seen a marked increase in usage, with the company reporting that monthly active users have more than doubled in early 2025. This uptick suggests a growing reliance on conversational AI for operational support among merchants.
Shopify’s continued investment in AI reflects a broader strategic shift toward automation and self-service tools. In a recent internal memo, CEO Tobi Lütke hinted that AI may also play a role in maintaining operational efficiency with a leaner workforce. The company’s latest features, while still evolving, point toward a future where launching and managing an eCommerce storefront requires less technical skill and more conversational input.
While these tools offer potential productivity gains, their long-term impact will depend on how effectively they balance automation with merchant control. As generative AI becomes more common in retail tech, Shopify appears committed to embedding it across the platform—from design and development to support and operations.
