Voice shopping is rapidly developing into a major trend that is fundamentally changing the way we shop. Company managers in particular face the challenge of understanding and strategically supporting this innovation. Voice shopping enables customers to search for and order products and services using voice commands alone. Modern voice assistants such as Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple Siri are becoming increasingly important. These technologies combine convenience with efficiency and offer new potential for the retail business.
Voice shopping: a look at the future of shopping
For many consumers, voice shopping is replacing traditional interaction via screen and keyboard. Instead of clicking to select a product, a simple voice command is all that is needed - for example, „Alexa, order me a new coffee machine“. This process makes shopping much easier and saves time in everyday life. Companies in the retail, food and electronics sectors are already successfully using voice shopping to offer customers an intuitive ordering option.
An example from the food retail sector shows how customers can organise their weekly shopping by voice command. A customer says: „Ok Google, add milk and bread to my shopping list.“ The voice assistant remembers the preferred products, compares prices and orders directly from the favoured supplier. An electronics retailer operates in a similar way, using its voice commerce solution to answer customer questions and make product recommendations - without any conventional user interface.
In the automotive sector, voice shopping is used to order accessories and spare parts. Drivers can order new windscreen wipers by voice command while keeping their hands on the steering wheel. In this way, voice shopping not only supports convenience, but also safety on the road.
Advantages and challenges of voice shopping for companies
Voice shopping offers numerous opportunities for companies. It provides access to new customer groups who value quick and easy shopping options. In particular, the generations that have grown up with digital assistants make intensive use of this form of shopping. Another advantage: personalised recommendations and reminders of forgotten products in the shopping basket increase sales and strengthen customer loyalty.
However, there are certainly challenges. Technically, voice assistants must be able to precisely recognise and implement purchase intentions. Voice control is not always able to fully map complex ordering processes today. User trust also plays a role: data protection and security for voice-controlled payments are crucial for acceptance. Many retailers are therefore endeavouring to integrate voice shopping into their omnichannel strategies in order to offer customers visual and audio options at all times.
BEST PRACTICE with one customer (name hidden due to NDA contract) A leading provider of household goods has integrated voice shopping as an additional channel. Customers can use their own voice commerce app to reorder their favourite items by voice command. The result: the average shopping basket value increased noticeably and customer feedback reported a noticeable relief when quickly reordering consumables.
Technological basis and implementation of voice shopping
Voice Shopping is based on a combination of intelligent speech recognition (speech-to-text), modern artificial intelligence and natural language processing. This enables the voice assistant not only to recognise words, but also to understand the context and initiate appropriate action steps.
For example, an international retail platform uses this technology to display variants, prices and availability to customers searching for products by voice command. Automated ordering processes, including payment processing, are also possible. Another use case from the fashion trade shows how customers can receive personalised styling tips by voice command and order matching accessories directly - this creates additional added value and creates emotional loyalty among customers.
Managers who support voice shopping projects benefit from a modular approach. Voice assistants can be flexibly integrated into existing ERP and CRM systems, for example, in order to optimally take customer data and preferences into account and thus create a personalised customer journey.
The role of iROI coaching in voice shopping projects
iROI coaching actively supports companies in the introduction and optimisation of voice shopping solutions. The coaching provides impetus for successful project planning, helps with the selection of suitable technologies and ensures that all relevant areas of the company are involved. Managers receive comprehensive support to establish voice shopping as an innovative sales channel and fully utilise its potential.
BEST PRACTICE with one customer (name hidden due to NDA contract) A medium-sized company from the electronics sector used iROI coaching as a sparring partner in the development of an Alexa-based voice shopping app. The customised support enabled a rapid market launch and high user acceptance, which is reflected in the increase in sales.
Practical tips for successful implementation
1. use of existing voice assistants: Companies should use established platforms such as Alexa or Google Assistant wherever possible to make access easier for customers.
2. integration into omnichannel strategies: Voice shopping works best when it is seamlessly connected with online shops, apps and bricks-and-mortar stores. This gives customers the flexibility to decide how they want to shop.
3. data protection and security: Responsible use of voice data and secure authentication procedures increase customer confidence and promote usage.
4. continuous monitoring and improvement: Voice shopping is a dynamic field. Companies should collect user feedback and regularly optimise their systems.
My analysis
Voice shopping represents a significant change in the retail and shopping experience. Managers are called upon to actively accompany this trend and recognise the added value for their company. The use of voice assistance systems not only supports more convenient and efficient customer interaction, but also promotes the development of new target groups and sales potential. iROI-Coaching can provide impetus as a competent partner and ensure the success of the project. Despite the technical and security challenges that still exist, voice shopping is a promising development in an increasingly digitalised shopping world.
Further links from the text above:
Voice Commerce - Remira
Voice commerce: How Alexa & Co. are changing e-commerce
How to prepare for the future of voice commerce
Voice Commerce: Breathtaking future of voice-controlled commerce
Voice commerce: the future of online shopping - Händlerbund
Voice Commerce: The future of shopping - Luigi's Box
Voice commerce - importance and development
Conversational commerce - Wikipedia
Beyond Touch - Voice Commerce 2030 - Think with Google (PDF)
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