Shopify has introduced an array of advanced AI-driven tools designed to improve the online shopping experience for merchants and their customers. The centerpiece of this latest update is an innovative AI-powered storefront builder that allows users to create fully functional online stores from a single descriptive prompt. Additionally, Shopify unveiled an AI-based content generator enabling merchants to effortlessly create customized visual components, such as banners, without the need for coding.
Another part of Shopify’s AI investment is seen in the enhanced capabilities of Sidekick, the company’s AI-driven commerce assistant. Sidekick now supports voice interactions and screen sharing, helping merchants seamlessly navigate Shopify’s system features and address issues in real-time. For instance, users unsure about complicated tariff matters can receive instant guidance from Sidekick, which directs them to useful resources like tariff guides.
According to the company, these latest improvements were officially revealed during Shopify’s biannual Editions event, which focuses on recent platform developments.
The streamlined AI storefront builder is intended to quickly produce the foundation of a usable store, freeing merchants to focus on personalization. For example, users describing their businesses with prompts like “tennis gear and stylish athleisure” receive instant store templates tailored to their brand’s aesthetic. Merchants can then further refine and personalize these layouts within an easy-to-use editor.
Shopify’s newest public theme, called “Horizon,” is available through its Theme Store and is equipped with embedded AI assistance tools. Horizon notably introduces a feature called “Theme Blocks,” modular elements enabling merchants to freely customize their shop’s appearance without engaging in any complex coding. AI-generated Theme Blocks assist merchants in quickly creating and inserting bespoke elements—such as animated banners—by simply describing their vision or providing inspirational images, after which AI generates the appropriate code automatically.
Sidekick, previously rolled out widely to Shopify merchants in December 2024, experienced a surge in popularity, more than doubling its number of monthly active users since early 2025. Its availability was recently expanded to include Shopify’s mobile app, enhancing convenience for users outside the office.
Shopify’s heavy emphasis on artificial intelligence technology aligns closely with recent messaging from CEO Tobi Lütke. In a memo circulated earlier this year, Lütke emphasized the potential role that AI-driven tools might play in helping Shopify maintain productivity without substantially expanding the company’s workforce.
