Shipt introduces AI-based search in time for holidays

Shipt is enhancing its search capabilities with artificial intelligence (AI) as the holiday shopping season enters its final full week.

The same-day delivery platform (which is a Target subsidiary) is unveiling three key offerings specifically designed for late holiday shoppers. Shipt is introducing an AI-powered search function and has also developed a new order tracking tool to provide real-time updates as shoppers order items for delivery.

In addition, Shipt is offering delivery in as soon as one hour with no holiday surcharges on all orders placed before 4 p.m. local time on Christmas Eve, Sunday, Dec. 24. The company is also continuing its months-long “Season of Savings” event, launching new holiday discounts including:

• Until Saturday, Dec. 30, customers can purchase Shipt's annual membership at a discounted price of $49/year (reg. $99) for themselves or as a gift. Members receive unlimited free delivery on all orders over $35, special access to member-only deals, and other perks and features.
• Until Sunday, Dec. 24, Shipt members will receivce $10 off orders of $25 or more, and also save on select beauty products, toys, books, movies, and products in other categories, with many items under $20.
• Customers can save $20 off orders of $100 or more until Sunday, Dec. 24, and also save on traditional holiday brunch items like cinnamon rolls and orange juice.
• Shipt is offering in-store pricing from retail partners including Target, Sephora, Petsmart, and Walgreens. 

[Read more: Shipt survey reveals top holiday delivery priorities]

"Our team has been looking forward to the holiday shopping season all year with our partners, and we are excited to deliver savings and solutions right up to Christmas Eve for our customers," said Katie Stratton, chief growth officer, Shipt. "From gifting options to getting those last-minute stocking stuffers delivered just in time, Shipt is here to simplify holiday tasks and create space for more time with loved ones this year."

Shipt provides personal shopping and delivery in more than 5,000 U.S. cities. An independently operated, wholly-owned subsidiary of Target Corp, Shipt was founded and headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., and also maintains an office in San Francisco.