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ChatGPT referrals to retailers’ apps increased 28% year-over-year, says report
According to Apptopia, ChatGPT referrals to retail apps increased by 28% year-over-year during the Black Friday weekend, but mostly favored e-commerce giants like Amazon and Walmart. Amazon's share of referrals rose to 54%, while Walmart's increased to 14.9%. Despite the growth, ChatGPT referrals remain a small portion of the overall market, highlighting its minimal impact on smaller retailers.
Key points
- ChatGPT referrals to retail apps increased 28% year-over-year over Black Friday weekend.
- Amazon's share of ChatGPT referrals grew from 40.5% in 2024 to 54%.
- Walmart's share increased from 2.7% to 14.9%.
- ChatGPT referrals are only 0.82% of all ChatGPT sessions during Black Friday 2024.
- Users referred from ChatGPT showed increased likelihood of making purchases.
Why it matters
- The rise of AI in e-commerce has historical precedents, but its current impact is more immediate.
- In 2025, trends suggest AI tools will further dominate the retail landscape.
- Increased reliance on AI chatbots corresponds with a broader shift towards automation in consumer engagement.
In conclusion, while ChatGPT is gaining traction as an e-commerce referral tool, its influence primarily benefits major retailers, highlighting the ongoing challenges smaller businesses face in the digital marketplace.