Amazon has begun rolling out text messaging capabilities for Alexa for Shopping, its conversational AI shopping tool, initially targeting a select group of US customers before expanding to millions more in the coming weeks. Through this new channel, the agent can locate products, evaluate options side-by-side, and complete purchases via text. Advertisers can feature sponsored products in the agent's responses at no cost during this early phase.
Users who activate the feature gain access to a contact labeled "Alexa Shopping" through their messaging app. They can submit requests by text—such as ordering pet supplies—or share images of recipes and clothing to receive product suggestions. The agent executes purchases once the customer approves, or autonomously when prices reach predetermined thresholds set by the shopper.
Beyond purchasing, the tool monitors price fluctuations, enables reordering of previous items, and provides shipment updates. Amazon notes that conversations initiated via text will seamlessly transition across its mobile app, website, and Alexa-enabled devices.
Now with Alexa for Shopping, your personal shopping agent is just a text away
Rajiv Mehta, Amazon's vice president of conversational shopping
The messaging interface represents an additional advertising channel for Amazon. Sponsored listings will surface alongside regular product recommendations in text conversations, though the company is not yet monetizing this placement. Purchases completed automatically by the agent exclude advertisements. This advertising expansion comes as Amazon generated over $68 billion in advertising revenue during 2025.
Amazon introduced Alexa for Shopping in May, reporting that more than 400 million customers engaged with the service over the past year. The company blocked Meta's Muse shopping agent from accessing its marketplace in September. Recently, Amazon's chief executive Andy Jassy indicated that Alexa for Shopping is positioned to become the primary agent through which customers purchase from Amazon.
Competitors are similarly investing in text-based shopping experiences. OpenAI integrated texting into Dot, its personal assistant product, last month, while DoorDash launched text-based order placement in September.
Source: The Next Web
