# Virtual Assistant E-Commerce sites adopt virtual stylists for a tailored experience. By [Gil Cohen](https://www.trendhunter.com/ghaddi), SVP Client Success | Published Sep 12, 2017 | Category: [Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/business-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/virtual-assistant ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.4/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the Virtual Assistant trend? **Virtual Assistant:** Customer service is essential for e-commerce sites where opportunities for in-person consumer engagement is negligible. Through the adoption of virtual stylists and hands-on assistants, made more accessible than ever with the rise of chat bots, online shops can provide personalized customer service for every client. This emerging shift indicates the rise of expectations on digital businesses as the number of consumers shopping online increases. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Aug 2, 2017 to Jul 3, 2019 - Published: Sep 12, 2017 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Reduction](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/reduction) - Megatrends: [Curation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/curation), [Gamification](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/gamification), [Personalization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/personalization) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Virtual Assistant trend ### Virtual Stylists The rise of virtual stylists and hands-on assistants, made more accessible than ever with the rise of chat bots, is enabling e-commerce sites to provide personalized customer service for every client. ### Smart Shopping Chatbots The emergence of smart shopping chatbots is allowing consumers to shop directly through Facebook Messenger and eBay, with features such as natural language compatibility, voice recognition, and image recognition. ### Smart Assistant App Stores The recent launch of Samsung's Bixby Marketplace with third-party integration demonstrates the emergence of smart assistant app stores, providing users with access to a variety of apps across different Samsung devices, with potential future integration into TVs. ## What the Virtual Assistant trend means for industry ### For E-commerce The adoption of virtual stylists and smart shopping chatbots in the e-commerce industry is revolutionizing the way consumers shop online and enhancing their overall experience. ### For Artificial Intelligence The increasing implementation of artificial intelligence in shopping chatbots and virtual stylists is leading to disruptive innovation opportunities across various industries, including fashion and entertainment. ### For Mobile Devices The launch of Samsung's Bixby Marketplace and the availability of smart shopping chatbots through Facebook Messenger are indicative of the growing importance of mobile devices in the e-commerce industry and beyond. ## Workshop question What aspect of customer service can you borrow from an adjacent industry? ## Trend signals for Virtual Assistant Trend score 3.4 out of 10, from popularity 52%, activity 41%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 52% - Activity: 41% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Virtual Assistant trend 5 featured examples from Aug 2, 2017 to Jul 3, 2019. - [Holographic AI Stylists](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cgi-model-shudu): The BAFTA Awards' CGI Model 'Shudu' Lets Consumers Shop Looks from Home (Category: Marketing) Implication: The use of holographic AI models and virtual stylist bots has the potential to revolutionize the way people shop for clothes, particularly online. - [Virtual Chatbot Stylists](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/virtual-stylist): Levi's Virtual Stylist Helps Customers Decide on Purchases (Category: Business) Implication: The e-commerce industry has the opportunity to enhance customer experience and boost sales by adopting AI-powered chatbot stylists like Levi's Virtual Stylist. - [Anticipatory Shopping Assistants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smartstockup): SmartStockup Ensures Consumers Never Run Out of Toilet Paper (Category: Tech) Implication: Retailers can employ predictive shopping assistants to improve their customers' online shopping experience. - [Smart Shopping Chatbots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ebay-shopbot): eBay ShopBot Helps Users Shop Directly Through Facebook Messenger (Category: Business) Implication: The integration of chatbots in e-commerce platforms opens up disruptive innovation potentials by enhancing customer engagement and streamlining the shopping process. - [Smart Assistant App Stores](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bixby-marketplace): Samsung Launched Bixby Marketplace With Third-Party Integration (Category: Tech) Implication: Smartphone manufacturers can integrate third-party apps into their devices to provide a unique experience for their users. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Conversion](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/ai-assisted-checkout) (Business) - [Occasion Commerce](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/occasion-commerce) (Business) - [Autonomous Merchandising](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/autonomous-merchandising) (Business) - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Business - [Performance-Based Creator Ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/creator-ad-platforms) - [MIami Pop-Culture Shirts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/miami-pop-culture-shirts) - [Natural Deodorant Expansions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/target-beauty-studios) - [Mini Beauty Stores](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/little-luxuries-store) All articles: [Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/business)