The AIS Media AI Shopping Playbook gives retail CMOs a practical guide to product discovery, buyer trust and profitable growth.
ATLANTA — AIS Media has released the AI Shopping Playbook for retail and ecommerce marketing leaders. The 23-page executive guide helps CMOs set priorities as AI changes how shoppers find, compare and choose products. It also gives marketing, ecommerce and operations teams a shared starting point for action.
Written by Thomas Harpointner, Founder and CEO of AIS Media, the guide includes six practical priorities, an executive readiness checklist and a 90-day plan. Together, these tools help leaders decide what to fix now, build next and pilot selectively.
Why retail CMOs need an AI shopping plan
AI can shape a shopper’s shortlist before that person reaches a retailer’s website. For CMOs, that raises a direct business question: can shoppers find the brand, trust its product claims and buy with confidence?
In an August 2026 report, PYMNTS Intelligence estimated that 19% of U.S. adults, about 49.6 million people, begin retail product research with AI. The finding draws on a June 2026 survey of 1,969 adults. However, shoppers may still turn to search engines, marketplaces or retailer websites to buy.
As a result, retail brands need to connect discovery with the full purchase experience. For example, accurate product facts, useful comparisons and credible reviews help shoppers evaluate an offer. Meanwhile, clear stock, delivery and return information can support the final decision. For more context, explore AIS Media’s guide to agentic commerce and store readiness.
Inside the AIS Media AI Shopping Playbook
For retail teams, the guide provides a focused starting point. Begin with one product group, one audience and one commercial goal. In turn, this focus helps leaders give specialists a clear brief before committing more budget. It also links AI shopping work to the revenue and margin measures the business already uses.
The AI shopping guide helps teams:
- Prioritize discovery. First, identify products where customer demand, available stock and commercial value align. Then focus product information and content on those opportunities.
- Strengthen buyer confidence. Next, review the gaps in product facts, customer proof, delivery and returns. Assign owners across marketing, ecommerce and operations.
- Build an accountable 90-day plan. Finally, establish a baseline, agree on priorities and set review points. Assess progress through net revenue, returns and contribution, alongside visibility and engagement.
In addition, the playbook applies AIS Media’s Digital Visibility Framework: Known, Found, Trusted and Chosen. These outcomes give teams a shared language for brand awareness, product discovery, credible proof and conversion. The guide also includes an illustrative retail example and a 2026 holiday planning module.
The AIS Media AI Shopping Playbook brings these priorities together in one executive resource. It connects SEO and AI Search, content and the buying experience with practical business decisions. Therefore, CMOs can use the guide to align teams before choosing where to invest next.
Get the new Playbook
Retail and ecommerce leaders can get the AI Shopping Playbook through AIS Media’s download page. Use the checklist and 90-day plan to turn the next leadership discussion into a focused team brief.
About AIS Media
AIS Media is an Atlanta-based digital marketing agency. Its team connects strategy, SEO, AI Search, paid media and content with business growth. To discuss priorities for a retail brand, contact AIS Media.
