Perplexity AI: Nearing $2B GMV Run Rate for Shopping

Perplexity's shopping layer is nearing a $2 billion annualized gross merchandise value run rate. This suggests AI answer engines are becoming a significant channel for both product research and purchases. Over the past year, Perplexity has added features like checkout, visual product search, and a retailer data program to its AI search engine. Perplexity Pro subscribers in the U.S. can buy select products directly without leaving the answer. This "Buy with Pro" option offers free shipping and handles payment details securely. There's also a "Snap to Shop" tool that finds products from a photo. Perplexity has also launched a free merchant program for retailers. This program allows large retailers to integrate their product data, ensuring current inventory information. It offers payment integration for "Buy with Pro" and free API access for retailers. This zero-fee structure is a key competitive advantage, unlike some other AI platforms that charge transaction fees. This development means AI search is becoming a budgeted channel for businesses. Product discovery is increasingly starting with AI tools, impacting how retailers connect with customers.