We built and deployed an AI shopping assistant over 10 weeks, integrated into the retailer's Shopify Plus e-commerce platform. Product Knowledge Base: we built a comprehensive product knowledge base covering all 12,000 SKUs: running shoes (200+ models) — each shoe profiled with: intended use (daily training, speed work, racing, trail, road-to-trail), cushioning level (minimal, moderate, maximum), drop (heel-to-toe offset in mm), stability features (neutral, stability, motion control), terrain suitability (road, light trail, technical trail), weight, price point, and staff recommendations (the expertise of the retailer's most experienced shoe fitters — "great for runners transitioning from high-cushion to moderate-cushion," "runs a half-size small compared to Nike," "excellent for runners with plantar fasciitis who need a rockered forefoot"). Trail and hiking gear — product attributes for boots, poles, packs, and layers — mapped to: terrain difficulty, season, trip duration, and experience level.
Running apparel — attributes for: season, temperature range, running distance, fit preference (fitted, relaxed, oversized), and fabric technology (moisture-wicking, wind-resistant, insulated, reflective). Nutrition — product attributes for: activity type, duration, timing (pre-workout, during, post-workout), dietary restrictions, and flavor preferences. Recovery products — attributes for: recovery goal (muscle soreness, joint pain, sleep, general recovery), format preference (topical, oral, device), and intensity. Conversation Design: the AI assistant engaged shoppers through guided product discovery: entry triggers — the chatbot appeared on: product listing pages ("Looking for help finding the right running shoe? I can help!"), after 60 seconds of browsing with no add-to-cart ("Not sure which one is right for you? Let me ask a few questions"), on the cart page with shoes ("Want to make sure you've got the right size and fit?"), and on exit intent ("Before you go — can I help you find what you're looking for?").
Running shoe recommendation flow — the core conversation: "What kind of running do you do?" (road, trail, mixed, treadmill). "How many miles per week do you typically run?" (beginner: 0-15, intermediate: 15-35, advanced: 35+). "Do you have any injuries or foot issues I should know about?" (plantar fasciitis, knee pain, overpronation, wide feet). "What shoes have you run in before, and how did you like them?" (this question leveraged the AI's knowledge of comparative shoe characteristics). "What's most important to you?" (cushioning, lightweight, durability, value). Based on the responses, the AI recommended 2-3 specific shoe models with explanations: "Based on your road running, 25+ miles per week, and preference for cushioning, I'd recommend the Hoka Clifton 9 — it's our top seller for high-mileage road runners who want maximum cushion without heavy weight.
If you like a slightly firmer, more responsive feel, the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v13 is an excellent alternative. And if you want to try something different — the Brooks Glycerin 20 has a DNA LOFT v3 midsole that a lot of our experienced runners love." Sizing assistance — when a shopper added a shoe to cart, the chatbot offered sizing guidance: "Great choice! Quick note on sizing — the Clifton 9 runs true to size for most runners, but if you have wider feet, you might want to go up a half size or try the wide (2E) version. What size do you usually wear in your current running shoes?" Gift recommendation flow — for the holiday and marathon seasons: "Who are you shopping for?" (runner, hiker, fitness enthusiast, outdoor enthusiast). "What's their experience level?" (beginner, intermediate, advanced). "What's your budget?" (under $50, $50-$100, $100-$150, $150+).
"Any specific interests?" (road running, trail running, marathon training, casual running). The AI generated personalized gift recommendations with "gift-ready" messaging and the option to add gift wrapping and a personalized note. Technical Integration: the chatbot integrated with Shopify Plus: real-time inventory (product availability and variant stock levels updated in real-time — the chatbot never recommended out-of-stock products or sizes), add-to-cart (recommended products could be added to cart directly from the chat — one click, with the correct size and color pre-selected based on the conversation), order tracking (post-purchase inquiries handled through the same chatbot — "Where's my order?" queries resolved by pulling Shopify order data), and customer profiles (returning customers recognized by email — the chatbot accessed purchase history and could reference past purchases: "I see you're running in the Clifton 8 — looking to upgrade to the 9, or trying something new?").