Ai's impact on local retailers
Source: Bloomberg29/09/2026, 16:41
AI shopping tools are increasingly directing consumers to large retailers, with 94% of users being redirected. Lightspeed's CEO, Dax Dasilva, discussed this trend in an interview with Bloomberg Open Interest, highlighting the decline of small businesses in AI search results.
Dasilva explained that the current AI algorithms favor big-box retailers, making it difficult for local shops to compete. He also suggested that better prompts and new AI tools could help local businesses adapt and thrive in the evolving commerce landscape.
The issue has sparked concern among small business owners, who are looking for ways to leverage AI to their advantage. As the retail sector continues to shift, the role of AI in shaping consumer behavior remains a critical topic of discussion.