
Google Cloud has launched Conversational Commerce agent, an AI-powered solution on Vertex AI, designed to enhance product discovery for B2C retailers. Partnering with Albertsons Cos., this tool, integrated into the Ask AI feature, transforms grocery shopping with personalized, intuitive experiences across 110 countries.
On September 10, 2025, Google Cloud introduced Conversational Commerce agent, a Vertex AI-powered tool revolutionizing product discovery for B2C retailers. Albertsons Cos., a leading U.S. food and drug retailer, is the first to implement it, embedding the solution in its Ask AI tool across banner store apps like Albertsons, Safeway, and Vons. “At Albertsons Cos., we are focused on giving our customers the best experience possible for when and how they choose to shop,” said Jill Pavlovich, SVP, Digital Customer Experience for Albertsons Cos. This collaboration builds on a long-standing partnership with Google Cloud to innovate retail technology.
Conversational Commerce agent leverages Gemini to deliver tailored product recommendations, streamlining the journey from intent to purchase. By understanding shopper preferences, such as “sweet” versus “salty” snacks, it suggests relevant items, often leading to additional cart additions. “By collaborating with Google Cloud to bring Conversational Commerce agent to market, we are providing our customers a solution that moves beyond traditional search to help them digitally shop across aisles, plan quick meal ideas, discover new products and even recommend unexpected items that pair well together,” Pavlovich added. Early results show increased engagement, with customers exploring new products effortlessly.
The solution supports multi-turn conversations, adapting to customer needs with guided prompts for refined results. It handles complex queries, like product comparisons, and clarifies ambiguous requests, mimicking in-store guidance. With built-in guardrails and quality product data, the agent ensures safe, reliable information, fostering trust. Albertsons reports that over 85% of conversions via Ask AI stem from open-ended or exploratory questions, highlighting the demand for intuitive, AI-driven guidance.
Conversational Commerce agent enhances customer engagement, increases basket sizes, and boosts revenue by simplifying product discovery. “The future of retail is personal, predictive, and effortless, and AI is the key to unlocking it,” said Paul Tepfenhart, global director of Retail at Google Cloud. Designed for industries from grocery to home improvement, the tool integrates seamlessly with e-commerce platforms, offering retailers a scalable solution to optimize operations and personalize experiences at scale.
Google Cloud’s Conversational Commerce agent, in collaboration with Albertsons, sets a new standard for retail innovation. By delivering personalized, efficient, and trustworthy shopping experiences, it empowers retailers to meet evolving customer expectations while driving business growth.
Google Cloud is the new way to the cloud, providing AI, infrastructure, developer, data, security, and collaboration tools built for today and tomorrow. Google Cloud offers a powerful, fully integrated and optimized AI stack with its own planet-scale infrastructure, custom-built chips, generative AI models and development platform, as well as AI-powered applications, to help organizations transform. Customers in more than 200 countries and territories turn to Google Cloud as their trusted technology partner.