Three months after launch, the AI shopping agent now initiates conversations and recommends products

A screen from the Naver shopping app [Naver]
A screen from the Naver shopping app [Naver]

"Would you like me to find a meal kit from your recent searches that's good for eating alone?" — Naver shopping app

Naver's shopping application is evolving into an AI agent that helps users browse products through conversation. Three months after its launch, the company said Sunday it has upgraded the AI shopping agent in its Naver Plus Store app from a product-search guide to a feature that proactively initiates dialogue with users — anticipating their behavior patterns and making personalized recommendations.

The AI shopping agent first debuted in beta on the Naver Plus Store app in February, where it has been helping users discover products suited to their interests and preferences.

The latest update enables the AI agent to understand a user's shopping context more precisely. The key addition is the ability to open conversations first, drawing on a comprehensive analysis of shopping activity — including clicks, wishlisted items and cart additions — as well as the latest trends, to suggest directions for product discovery.

After updating the app, users will find the AI shopping agent on the home screen ready to kick off a shopping session with an opening suggestion.

For a single-person household that has been frequently searching for meal kits, for instance, the agent might ask: "Would you like me to find a meal kit from your recent searches that's good for eating alone?"

For a user who has added a moisturizer to their cart, it might say: "If you're interested in skin care, would you like me to find products that pair well with it?" — helping users more easily discover items that match their interests.

The agent also offers conversation prompts built around specific conditions, such as "single-serving meal kits ready in under 10 minutes" or "products available in a three-pack bundle for around 10,000 won (about $7)."

Users can find products suited to their situation and preferences more quickly and easily without having to enter complex search conditions themselves, the company said.

"The AI shopping agent is moving beyond a search tool that simply finds products — it is evolving into an action-oriented agent that understands a user's shopping context and suggests their next move," said Lee Jeong-tae, Naver's Shopping Search & AI leader.

Lee added that Naver would "deliver the most optimized experience for domestic users' shopping habits and preferences, drawing on the shopping data and AI technology we have accumulated," and that the company would "continue to advance the technology so users can enjoy smarter, agentic shopping in their everyday lives."

Meanwhile, the Naver Plus Store is a dedicated shopping app that Naver launched last year. It has been recording rapid growth on the back of strategies including an expanded brand lineup and enhanced reward benefits.


sjpark@heraldcorp.com