Retailers split on AI shopping as home depot wants agent to show ID first
Agents must identify themselves
Home Depot wants to allow AI agents to shop on behalf of customers, provided the agents identify themselves. Brown said Muse is working on that capability, adding that the retailer wants to know whether an agent is a bot and whether it is acting for the customer.
Retailers have responded differently to the prospect of AI-powered shopping. Amazon barred Muse from its marketplace, saying the bots did not properly identify themselves. Walmart, Best Buy, Sephora and Shopify have announced integrations or openness to AI agents.
Retailers weigh customer relationships
Home Depot’s frequent shoppers include contractors and remodelers who can qualify for discounts through its Pro Rewards platform. Brown said the company does not want to lose contact with its customers.
Cybersecurity remains a priority
Brown oversees cybersecurity at Home Depot. She described the hours after a warning about critical PHP vulnerabilities as “a little hectic,” but said the company’s main website was not affected. Brown said the time needed to fix a vulnerability should be reduced to hours.
Key points
- Home Depot is working with Muse on ways for AI agents to identify themselves.
- Amazon barred Muse from its marketplace, citing inadequate agent identification.
- Home Depot says it wants to maintain contact with customers, including Pro Rewards members.
- Brown said Home Depot’s main website was not affected by the PHP vulnerabilities.