In today's episode, John unpacks a pivotal week in eCommerce as AI systems move beyond discovery into active decision-making. From Shopify's new identity verification requirements for partners to Meta's AI-powered room visualisation tool that places real products in consumers' living spaces, the platforms are signalling a fundamental shift in how commerce works. John breaks down what "agentic commerce" means in practice, why CEOs are anxious about AI readiness, and what the latest back-to-school data tells us about consumer spending heading into late summer.

• Shopify introduces identity verification for Partners - what it means for merchants and agencies

• Meta launches Muse Image: AI-powered product visualisation using brand catalogues

• ChatGPT Ads expands with new ad formats, suggested drafts, and international rollout

• Google expands AI ad disclosures across Search, YouTube, and Discover

• Deloitte's back-to-school survey: $557 per child, spending shifts to mass merchants

• Cisco's CEO survey reveals 64% worry they're underinvesting in AI

• Hyvä CMS Tailwind JIT 2.0.1 fixes admin preview styling for Tailwind v4

• The rise of the "AI decision layer" and what it means for product data strategy

Want to learn more about eCommerce strategy? Visit www.ontapgroup.com for insights, resources, and expert guidance on navigating the evolving digital commerce landscape.