Albertsons Deploys Google Cloud's Conversational Commerce Agent

Albertsons Cos. has enhanced its Ask AI tool across all of its banner apps by integrating Google Cloud’s Conversational Commerce agent, becoming the first retailer to deploy the solution.

Located in the search bar and already available in Albertsons’ digital ecosystem, Ask AI now leverages the Conversational Commerce agent to enhance natural language search, personalization and product discovery. 

The development allows shoppers to engage in multi-turn conversations to compare products, plan meals, receive recommendations and explore new items or pairings.

Albertsons said in a Sept. 10 blog post that more than 85% of Ask AI conversations begin with open-ended or exploratory questions, highlighting customer interest in guidance beyond traditional keyword search. The grocer also noted that early results show that customers using the tool often add one or more additional products to their baskets.

Key functions of the updated Ask AI tool include:

• Personalized search and discovery tailored to individual preferences.
• Contextual responses to complex queries, with clarifying questions for ambiguous requests.
• Education and bundle suggestions, such as “taco night ingredients,” wine pairings or queries like “What vegetables have vitamin C?” or “What to consider when buying laundry detergent?”
• Multi-turn conversations that refine results in real time.