Would people let an AI agent do their shopping?

An AI agent that finds products for you, compares prices and even places the order is one of the most talked-about ideas in tech right now. But Ron Johnson, one of the people who built Apple’s retail business, believes people will not rely entirely on AI agents to shop. In his view, AI will improve the online shopping experience, but it will not change the basic way people buy things.

A store is more than a till

Johnson joined Apple in 2000 and shaped the Apple Store concept. His argument is that a store is not just a place to sell: it is where people pick up a product, try it, understand it and get help when they need it. Apple Store staff were deliberately not paid on commission, so they could focus on what customers needed rather than pushing sales.

On expensive items, people decide

Johnson does not buy the idea of purchasing a $1,000 or $2,000 laptop purely through an AI agent, without visiting a store or a website. For a personal device like a laptop, people want to judge its weight, screen and size for themselves. AI can make choosing easier by supplying information, but seeing the product before the final decision will still matter.

Our analysis

Johnson’s point holds in Bangladesh too. Online shopping is growing fast, but most people still want to see a smartphone, laptop or home appliance in a showroom before buying. Concerns about counterfeit goods and after-sales service only strengthen that habit.

So the biggest role for AI agents is likely to be that of a research assistant: comparing prices, summarising reviews and suggesting alternatives. Automatic ordering may catch on for everyday, repeat purchases, but for expensive and personal products the final say will stay with people. As Johnson puts it, AI supports human judgement; it does not replace it.