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Artificial intelligence is fundamentally changing e-commerce right now. Not only in marketing or customer service, but also directly in the buying process itself. With the Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP) Shopify has presented a new open standard that shows how online retail can work in the future. Even though the topic is not yet actively being used in Europe, Shopify retailers should understand what is coming and what this means specifically for their shop.
that Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP) is a new, open standard from Shopify that allows external systems — in particular AI-based assistants — to interact directly with a shop. In short, this means that UCP ensures that a Shopify store is no longer just for people, but also for AI systems is “readable.” Instead of using a classic shop interface, products, prices and availabilities can also be made available there in a standardized way.
Purchasing decisions are increasingly being made outside traditional online shops, for example in AI assistants or intelligent recommendation systems. With UCP, Shopify ensures that retailers remain visible even in these new environments.
In contrast to classic APIs, apps, or storefronts, Shopify UCP is:
Shopify thus ensures that retailers remain relevant even in an AI-driven future.
Agentic Commerce describes a new form of AI-powered shopping, where people no longer shop in the online shop themselves, but an AI agent acts on behalf of the customer. An AI analyses the wishes, budget, availability and preferences of the customer and purchases independently. For Shopify retailers, this is a decisive step towards AI commerce and an important part of Shopify's future.
After applying the changes, the printer must be restarted. To reestablish the connection to Shopify POS, the printer should first be removed from the Bluetooth list on the tablet or iPad. The printer is then put back into pairing mode and added to Shopify POS. Once these steps are complete, the printer will pair immediately and print reliably. Connected cash drawers that are controlled via the printer will also work as usual again.No short-term trend, but a logical next step in AI-based e-commerce, for which Shopify is preparing early on.
Source: Shopify
One Agentic Storefront is a new type of Shopify AI integration that allows AI agents to buy directly from the store. It does not replace the existing Shopify shop, but expands it as an additional sales channel and is the link to Agentic Commerce.
Retailers benefit because the Agentic Storefront provides an additional connection to the existing shop, simultaneously acts as a new sales channel and uses the shop's existing products, prices, and shipping and payment logic. The current Shopify store remains unchanged. The Agentic storefronts only increase range and open up new channels for automated AI shopping.
For Shopify retailers, the Universal Commerce Protocol combined with Agentic Storefronts offers numerous opportunities that go far beyond classic shop visits:
In short: The UCP and Agentic Storefronts open up practical opportunities for automated e‑commerce and AI-supported sales without retailers having to go deep into technology or APIs.
UCP is currently focusing on USA and selected Early access rollouts. Shopify first tests the functions and gains experience before the standard is rolled out internationally.
Europe is expected to follow suit later, including because of:
Nevertheless, there are already important findings for Shopify merchants in Europe, because the basic principles of agentic commerce and AI-based e-commerce also apply here. Anyone who deals with structured product data and clear shop logics at an early stage has a clear advantage later on.
Our assessment: The topic is coming to Europe. The question is not if, but when.
Even though the UCP is not yet active in Europe, it is worthwhile for Shopify retailers to take an early look into the future. If you are prepared now, you can benefit more quickly from Agentic Commerce and AI-based sales channels later on.
Important measures that can be taken right now:
As Shopify partner agency Let us help you create your shop future-proof to set up and prepare for the next generation of e-commerce.
The UCP is generally open and can theoretically also be used by other shop systems. In practice, however, Shopify is currently the furthest in terms of implementation and integration. Shopify retailers are therefore the first to benefit from the new opportunities. The topic is particularly relevant for Shopify Plus and growth-oriented shops that want to open up new sales channels at an early stage.
In short: UCP is an open standard, but Shopify stores are currently at the forefront and can be the first to take advantage of the benefits.
The Universal Commerce Protocol is Not a short-term trend, but a structural change in e-commerce. Shopify is positioning itself early on for the next generation of commerce, in which AI agents are increasingly taking on buying decisions and opening up new sales channels. For retailers, this means: Who now informed and prepared, gains a clear strategic advantage.
As Shopify partner agency we are already assisting our customers today in their strategic preparation for Agentic Commerce and new AI-based sales channels so that their shops are future-proof.
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