Google's Canadian Checkout in AI Mode, and What Merchants Should Prep Now

Should Merchants Prepare for AI Checkout Now?

Google's Canadian expansion brings direct checkout powered by the Universal Commerce Protocol into AI Mode in Search and the Gemini app, letting shoppers buy from eligible retailers without leaving the conversation. The piece walks through the flow, which uses Google Pay and saved Google Wallet details, and confirms that retailers stay the seller of record. It also flags a Merchant Center integration planned for next year that would open the feature to more merchants.

For brand builders and ecommerce teams, the practical point is that product feed quality already drives visibility across Google's shopping and AI surfaces, so preparation starts now. The article is also candid about what remains unknown, including rollout timing, eligibility and how orders are attributed in reporting and paid campaigns. Anyone managing Canadian accounts or retail feeds should read it before planning next year's budgets.