Shopify Launches AI Store Builder - Latest Update

Shopify Enhances Platform with New AI-Powered Tools

A range of new, artificial intelligence-driven functionalities are being released by Shopify to empower its merchants. These tools are designed to elevate the online shopping experience offered to customers.

Included in this update is an AI-powered store builder, enabling users to establish online storefronts through simple text prompts. Furthermore, an AI generator has been developed to create visual elements, like banners, without requiring coding expertise.

Upgrades to Shopify’s AI Commerce Assistant

The platform’s AI commerce assistant, Sidekick, has been significantly upgraded. New features include both voice chat and screen sharing capabilities.

These enhancements were unveiled on Wednesday during Shopify’s Edition launch day, a bi-annual event showcasing the latest platform modifications.

AI Store Builder for Rapid Website Creation

The primary objective of the AI store builder is to facilitate the swift creation of a website’s core structure. This allows merchants to dedicate more time to personalization efforts.

To utilize this tool, users initially input a prompt detailing their brand identity. An example prompt might be, “tennis gear and stylish athleisure.” Shopify’s AI then generates a fully functional storefront, which merchants can subsequently refine within the editor.

New Theme and Customizable Blocks

Shopify has also introduced a new publicly available theme, named “Horizon,” within its Theme Store – a marketplace offering pre-designed templates.

Horizon incorporates integrated AI assistance to aid merchants in tailoring designs to their preferences. It represents the first theme to feature “Theme Blocks,” which function as modular components for customizing a store’s appearance without code modification.

These theme blocks can be further customized with AI assistance. For instance, a merchant desiring a banner with text and animation can simply describe it, and the necessary code will be generated.

Enhanced Sidekick Functionality

Users can now interact with Sidekick through voice chat, receiving audible responses to their inquiries. For example, merchants seeking clarification on tariffs – a current concern for retailers – will be directed to relevant resources.

Screen sharing with Sidekick is also now possible, allowing users to navigate platform features and locate specific settings with ease.

In addition to these new capabilities, Sidekick is now accessible within the Shopify mobile application.

Sidekick Adoption and Future Implications

Sidekick was made available to all merchants in December 2024. According to company reports, monthly active users have more than doubled since the start of 2025, as confirmed by a spokesperson to TechCrunch.

Shopify’s ongoing investment in AI is a logical progression. CEO Tobi Lütke recently indicated in a staff memo that AI could potentially contribute to maintaining a leaner workforce.