Shoppers Trust AI for Discovery, Not Grocery Purchases, Survey Finds

AI is gaining traction as a shopping aid, but most consumers still do not want it to close the deal. In Riskified’s Q1 2026 Agentic Commerce Pulse survey, 61.5% of respondents said they had used AI tools for product discovery or recommendations, yet 55% said they were uncomfortable with AI agents making purchases on their behalf. Another 53.9% said AI could increase fraud risk, and 73.9% said strong safeguards, including biometric or one-time-password authentication, should be required.

The numbers point to a familiar grocery truth: shoppers may welcome technology when it helps them compare, plan, or browse, but they still want a person when the basket gets specific. That is where Trader Joe’s keeps its edge. The chain describes itself as a neighborhood grocery store that has been transforming grocery shopping into a welcoming journey full of discovery and fun since 1967, and it says knowledgeable, friendly Crew Members are part of that promise. Its own materials say Crew Members run the register, stock shelves, create displays, and help ensure a fun, friendly and informative shopping experience.

That human role matters most in the moments AI still struggles with. A shopper asking about substitutions, a best produce pick, whether an item is seasonal, or where a product actually lives in the store is not just looking for inventory data. The question is about trust, taste, and confidence. Trader Joe’s leans into that reality by saying not every product is represented on its website and that the neighborhood store is the best place for information on old favorites and new discoveries. It also says it does not rely on a lot of branded items, which makes crew guidance even more important in a format built around recommendations and surprise.

The chain’s expansion underscores how central that store-floor model remains. Trader Joe’s announced on April 21, 2026, that it was opening a store in McKinney, Texas, and Grocery Dive reported on April 11 that the company planned more than 20 store openings in 2026. Independent location tracking put Trader Joe’s at 647 U.S. locations as of April 15. At the same time shoppers are experimenting with AI for discovery, Trader Joe’s is still building around the physical store, where crew members translate vague requests into real meals and real baskets.

For Trader Joe’s workers, that is more than brand language. It is a reminder that in a specialty grocer, the final buying decision still depends on someone who can answer fast, reassure a hesitant shopper, and make the store feel worth trusting.