Bunnings Embraces Google AI Mode for Enhanced Shopping Experience
Bunnings is set to become one of the first retailers in Australia to allow customers to purchase products directly through Google AI mode. This development marks a significant shift in how Australians interact with retail platforms, as generative AI continues to reshape the landscape of online shopping.
The integration of Google AI mode into Bunnings’ operations will enable customers to research, browse, and buy products from the hardware giant directly through AI mode across Google Search, Chrome, and the Google app. This move is aimed at providing a more convenient and efficient shopping experience for customers.
Key Benefits of Google AI Mode
- Time-Saving: Customers can save time by researching and purchasing products without leaving the AI interface.
- Ease of Use: The platform simplifies the process of finding the right products, making it easier for customers to make informed decisions.
- Complementary Services: While the AI tools assist in product discovery, they also complement the expert advice and service provided by Bunnings staff in-store.
Bunnings Chief Information Officer, Genevieve Elliott, emphasized the importance of this partnership in meeting customer expectations. “Our customers want options and convenience, and they’re increasingly using tech tools to research and plan their projects,” she said. “Our partnership with Google is helping us develop and introduce AI in practical ways that save time for customers and makes it easier for them to find the right products faster.”
Expansion of Google AI Mode
Google will announce the launch of its Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP) AI-powered checkout in Australia at its Marketing Live event today. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to integrate AI into everyday shopping experiences.
Bunnings managing director, Michael Schneider, highlighted the growing trend of customers searching for products through generative AI platforms. “In the next two weeks we will be among the first retailers in Australia to launch a shoppable range through Google AI Mode,” he said. “Customers will be able to research products, select recommended items from our catalogue, and complete transactions directly through AI Mode across Google search, Chrome and the Google app.”
Google AI Mode has already surpassed one billion monthly users in May, just one year after its launch, with queries more than doubling every quarter since its introduction.
Broader Adoption by Retailers
Australia is the first market in the APAC region to launch Google’s UCP. Alongside Bunnings, other retailers such as Adore Beauty, Kogan Group, Petbarn, and The Iconic will also be adopting this technology.
Adrian Vallelonga, Head of Performance Solutions at Google Australia and New Zealand, explained the benefits of the universal cart. “Soon you’ll be able to add things to your cart while you’re browsing search, chatting with Gemini, watching YouTube or even reading your Gmail,” he said. “As soon as you add a product to the cart, it goes to work for you, tracking pricing changes, and alerting you to when things come back in stock. And when you’re ready, you can buy directly on Google or take your cart to the merchant site.”
Bunnings’ Own AI Tools
This announcement follows Bunnings’ launch of its own AI agentic shopping tool, ‘Buddy’, in April in collaboration with Google Cloud. “Buddy is already delivering strong engagement outcomes including more than doubling online conversion rates and increasing basket size through projects-based shopping behaviour,” said Schneider. “Buddy helps our customers take on DIY projects with confidence by bringing expert advice into the home through a more personalised experience across browsing, planning and purchasing online.”
Fellow Wesfarmers-owned brand Kmart also introduced its own AI tool, ‘Joy’, last month, which allows customers to try on outfits virtually and see what items look like in their own space. Wesfarmers, which also owns brands like Officeworks and Priceline, has struck multi-year partnerships with tech giants Google and Microsoft to embed AI across its businesses in February.
Other retailers have also outlined plans for their own AI tools. Woolworths is set to incorporate agentic AI into its ‘Olive’ chatbot later this year through a partnership with Google. Coles has a deal with OpenAI and has said it is exploring how AI capabilities could reshape the shopping experience.
