Loblaw Companies connects with Google to give Canadians new way to shop via conversational AI
Loblaw Companies has announced a new collaboration with Google that will bring its beauty, apparel and general merchandise assortment directly into AI Mode in Google Search and the Gemini app.
Loblaw is laying claim to being the first large retailer to make products available for purchase directly through Google’s AI mode in Canada.
In a LinkedIn post, Lauren Steinberg, EVP, Chief Digital Officer at Loblaw Companies, said: “Powered by our early adoption of the Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP), the integration will enable secure, standardised connectivity between AI agents and our commerce infrastructure.”
“This milestone marks another deliberate step toward what we see as the next chapter of agentic commerce. Canadians are already discovering products through conversational AI. Our focus is on closing the gap between exploration and action, connecting intent to inventory, securely and seamlessly.”
She added: “Our philosophy is straightforward: partner with the best and deploy purpose-built applications that deliver real value to customers. Different AI platforms have distinct strengths. The advantage lies not in exclusivity, but in thoughtful orchestration. Proud of the team at Loblaw Digital for continuing to push the boundaries, and excited to be among the first in Canada to bring this capability to market alongside Google.”
“We are seeing a generational shift where AI is becoming the foundational engine for business transformation. Loblaw’s commitment to scaling AI across its entire enterprise is a clear roadmap for how retailers can convert technical innovation into measurable value,” said Karthik Narain, Chief Product and Business Officer, Google Cloud.
“By optimising everything from merchandising to inventory management, they are proving that AI native systems are the key to driving both operational efficiency and a superior customer experience at scale.”
RTIH AI in Retail Awards
Brarista, IBM Consulting, Foundit!, Quorso, Vusion, Sensei, Reckon.ai, EE, Walkbase, Globant, Riskified, and Goddiva were among the winners at the RTIH AI in Retail Awards, sponsored by VenHub Global, 3D Cloud, EdTech Innovation Hub, and Retail Technology Show.
Our 2026 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The Barbican in Central London on Thursday, 29th January, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Lucy Porter.
In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “According to Amazon’s Andy Jassy: AI is a once in a lifetime reinvention of everything we know, and the largest technology transformation since the cloud.”
“Whether that’s overstating it or not, we're certainly seeing an increasing number of innovative, potentially game changing developments in this space across both traditional and digital retail spaces. And that is reflected in tonight's finalists, who are boosting customer experiences and tackling retailers' painpoints across the likes of physical stores, online, omnichannel, supply chain, and payments.”
“To quote one of our judges: I have to admit, judging these awards was so difficult. So many that would have been worthy winners. And great to see how AI has moved firmly into delivery mode. Firmly into delivering for customers and driving huge innovation.”
Congratulations to our 2026 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended our Thursday, 29th January gathering.
Stay tuned for an indepth review of the awards ceremony in the next edition of RTIH magazine.
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