Optimove Insights: Nearly Half of Mother's Day Shoppers Use AI Tools, and 64% Are Open to Buying From a Brand They Have Never Tried

Why It Matters

The findings signal a dual imperative for retailers: protect loyal buyers while aggressively courting a large pool of brand‑agnostic shoppers, reshaping acquisition and retention strategies for the holiday season.

Key Takeaways

• 49% of shoppers rely on AI tools for gift ideas
• 64% likely to buy from an unfamiliar online merchant
• Quality, relevance and personalization outrank discounts
• 47% plan omnichannel purchases; 81% price‑check on mobile
• Positionless Marketing claims 88% boost in campaign efficiency

Pulse Analysis

AI‑driven discovery is reshaping holiday retail. Optimove’s latest report shows that nearly half of Mother’s Day shoppers turn to generative AI or recommendation engines to surface gift ideas. This shift reflects broader consumer confidence in algorithmic curation, especially among higher‑income households who expect fast, relevant suggestions. Marketers that embed AI‑powered insights into early‑stage touchpoints can capture attention before shoppers settle on a retailer, turning curiosity into intent.

At the same time, the data reveals a striking openness to new brands—64% of respondents would consider purchasing from an unfamiliar merchant. Traditional loyalty programs alone can no longer guarantee retention; retailers must blend acquisition tactics with real‑time relevance. Optimove’s Positionless Marketing platform promises to bridge that gap by monitoring drift signals from existing customers while flagging inbound interest from prospects, enabling simultaneous win‑back and conversion actions without siloed handoffs.

Finally, the report underscores the importance of an omnichannel experience. With 47% of shoppers planning both in‑store and online purchases and 81% checking prices on mobile while browsing bricks‑and‑mortar, consistency across channels is non‑negotiable. Brands that align AI‑generated recommendations, personalized offers, and timely promotions across web, app, and physical locations stand to accelerate purchase timing—especially when early‑season sales are paired with relevance. Leveraging these insights can help retailers turn Mother’s Day into both a retention and acquisition engine, driving measurable uplift in revenue and customer lifetime value.