In today's episode, John breaks down the collision of forces reshaping eCommerce this week. Google has begun rolling out its May 2026 core update, just days after overhauling Search with AI Mode and information agents, while new research challenges assumptions about how fast consumers are actually adopting AI shopping tools. The episode explores what eCommerce looks like when the shopping cart is no longer yours, and why brand trust and product data quality have become the most important competitive advantages merchants can build.

• Google's May 2026 core update: what it means and what to do right now

• New Datos and SparkToro research suggesting AI adoption among consumers may be stalling

• Practical Ecommerce's provocative take on eCommerce without merchant-owned carts

• PSE Consulting survey: what 4,200+ consumers actually care about when AI shops for them

• The "search everywhere optimisation pyramid" framework for building pre-search visibility

• Walmart's strong Q1 earnings, and the fuel cost warning that could reshape pricing

• Authentic Brands Group's billion-dollar acquisition of Lee Jeans and the brand-as-IP trend
  

Whether you're a Magento merchant, a Shopify store owner, or a digital commerce professional, this episode offers practical insight on navigating a rapidly changing landscape. Visit www.ontapgroup.com for more eCommerce intelligence and to connect with the On Tap team.