Adyen’s 2025 Retail Report has revealed a significant increase in the use of artificial intelligence (AI) by Australian consumers for shopping purposes. Over the past year, there has been a 45% rise in Australians utilising AI in their shopping activities. Currently, one in three Australians is using AI to assist with tasks such as choosing outfits, planning meals, and discovering new brands.

The report indicates a notable increase in AI adoption among Baby Boomers and Gen Xers, with a 65% year-on-year growth in usage within these demographics. Furthermore, 57% of Australians using AI for shopping report that it inspires their purchasing decisions, while 56% express a desire to use AI for discovering new brands.

Despite the growing consumer interest in AI, only 26% of Australian retailers plan to invest in AI for sales and marketing in the coming year. This hesitance comes as 41% of consumers express a preference for shopping across multiple touchpoints, yet only 46% of retailers currently offer a seamless online and in-store experience.

Hayley Fisher, Adyen’s Country Manager for Australia and New Zealand, said, “Australian consumers are embracing AI at an incredible pace as they explore how it can enhance and personalise their shopping experience.” Fisher further noted, “From helping people discover new brands to acting like a personal stylist for choosing outfits or planning meals, AI is fast becoming a trusted part of how Australians shop. What’s particularly exciting is seeing how quickly older generations are catching on – it’s no longer just the domain of digital natives.”

The report, which surveyed 41,000 consumers across 28 countries, including Australia, also found that 10% of Australians used AI for the first time in the past 12 months for shopping. Additionally, 65% of Australian consumers understand that retailers might use AI to recommend products.

Fisher stressed the transformative impact of AI on the retail sector, stating, “AI is no longer viewed as a future bet- it’s already changing how Australians shop and how retailers operate.” She added, “We’re seeing more retailers embrace AI to make shopping easier, faster and safer for their customers – whether that’s through personalised recommendations, smoother checkouts or smarter fraud detection.”

Adyen, a global financial technology platform, provides end-to-end payments capabilities, data-driven insights, and financial products. The company collaborates with businesses such as MECCA, Lorna Jane, and the Cotton On Group. Fisher highlighted Adyen’s recent initiatives, saying, “With the launch of Adyen Uplift in Australia earlier this year, we’re helping businesses boost payment performance and deliver better customer experiences. It’s clear AI is becoming a key growth driver for retailers in 2025.”