October Prime Day kicked off the early holiday shopping season last week, and now Google is introducing new tools for online shoppers. Google’s latest tools use Google search data and AI-powered item organization.
Google’s new When to Buy Guide and Universal Cart can help alleviate the stressful holiday dilemmas we see year after year by advising you when certain Items are discounted and store your items from different retailers in one place respectively.
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1. Save products from MULTIPLE merchants
Google’s Universal Cart lets you close open tabs and endless screenshots. The cart can save your progress via Google, so you never have to start from scratch. Every time you save a product in your cart via AI mode in the search or the Gemini app, it will be waiting for you when you come back or decide to check out.
2. Keep tabs on prices or inventory
Google’s cart is built on the 60+ billion continuously refreshed product listings via Google Shopping Graph. This means you can receive notifications about price increases or restocks without doing any extra work – Universal Cart is constantly checking for you in the background.
3. Identify hidden savings or points from your cart
Google’s cart doesn’t just contain products you’re viewing. It can help you shop smarter by maximizing the benefits you already have. For example, the Universal Cart can help you identify the specific benefits of each payment option you have, including card benefits, and help you choose which one is best to use when you decide to buy. Universal Cart is built on Google Wallet, making it more convenient for those who use Google shopping tools and payment methods. Plus, the cart will also identify any relevant promo codes so you can save more.
4. Make seamless, trusted purchases
Universal Cart integrates seamlessly with Google Pay in just a few taps right in the cart, or shoppers can transfer their items directly to merchant carts to complete their purchase on the merchant website. Whichever you choose, you will receive full communication about orders and customer support from the retailer you checked out with, who is the seller of record.
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Google said that as the holiday season heats up, Universal Cart is one way to “give shoppers the convenience and smarts they need to make the best shopping choices.”
Google’s When to Buy Guide is a new report that analyzes historical promotion patterns, search trends and discount data across US retailers. This year’s insights include when is the best time to stock up on signature scents, why you should consider buying that handbag on Black Friday, and why shopping early for travel gear like suitcases is better if you’re an early bird.
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Google said in its press release that the company is building the future of commerce on two specific fronts: “Unlock agent capabilities that act on your behalf and design practical tools that give shoppers confidence and control. Google’s Universal Cart is built for the second track – mirroring how people actually shop today through Google, without losing their things, their savings or the merchants.