Adobe: UK AI Shopping Conversion Rates Surge 182% Year-on-Year

Adobe reports that AI-powered shopping tools have overtaken traditional online search engines in driving sales conversion rates in the UK. Data for May 2026 shows the UK AI shopping conversion rate climbed 182% compared with the same period a year earlier and 543% since January 2025. AI-driven traffic to retail sites surged 393% in the first quarter of 2026 year-on-year, signaling a rapid shift in how consumers find and buy products online.

Adobe's polling found that 37% of UK consumers have used AI assistants for shopping, primarily for research and product recommendations. Among those users, 70% cited AI as their primary research source, underscoring the technology's growing role at the top of the purchase funnel. Vivek Pandya, director of Adobe Digital Insights, said increased trust in AI tools has made shoppers feel more assured about their purchases, leading to fewer item returns. He urged retailers to make their digital properties AI-ready, calling it essential to remain competitive and convert sales in the new retail landscape rather than treating it as optional.

The data marks a significant milestone in the adoption of AI for commerce, with conversion rates and traffic growth both accelerating sharply over the past 18 months.