Understanding Google’s AI Mode: What Retailers Should Do Right Now

Google just flipped the switch.

With the rollout of AI Mode in Google Search, powered by Gemini, Google is no longer just a search engine.

It’s an AI-powered answer engine.

And while the headlines focus on summaries and smart responses, the real story is this:

Your content either gets chosen as the answer… or it disappears.

Let’s talk about what this means for retailers and what you need to do now before AI Mode becomes the default.

What Is Google's AI Mode in Search?

It’s a new feature that adds an AI-generated answer above the traditional search results.

Instead of just showing blue links and ads, Google now offers a dynamic answer box that:

• Summarizes content from multiple sites

• Cites 2–3 sources (if any)

• Often satisfies the user’s intent without a single click

In short: Google has started answering queries for the user—before they ever visit your site.

The Risk: Zero-Click = Zero Revenue

Here’s the hard truth:

• If your product is not mentioned in the answer box → it’s invisible.

• If your PDP is not the one being cited → you don’t exist.

Even if you rank #1 organically, you might be placed underneath the AI box—pushed down, forgotten.

The Opportunity: Be the Source, Not the Search Result

The good news?

Google’s AI Mode still needs sources to generate those answers.

That means if your content is:

• Clear

• Structured

• Relevant to the exact query

…you can become one of the featured citations that powers the AI summary.

And if you’re cited?

You win brand trust, visibility, and conversion-ready traffic—even if users don’t click.

What Retailers Should Do Today

1. Design PDPs That Answer Questions

Don’t just describe products.

Answer:

• Who is this for?

• What problem does it solve?

• Is it available near me today?

Example:

“Waterproof running shoes for rainy days in Jerusalem – available for pickup today at Malha Mall.”

2. Use Structured Data Relentlessly

Schema markup is your ticket to getting cited in AI Mode.

Make sure every PDP includes:

• ✅ Product schema

• ✅ LocalBusiness schema

• ✅ Review schema

• ✅ FAQ schema

3. Think in Use-Cases, Not Categories

Instead of:

“All Jackets”

Try:

“Windproof jackets under ₪300 for Tel Aviv winters – in stock now at Azrieli Center.”

4. Track Which Queries Trigger AI Mode

Use Google Search Console and GenAI platforms to find which keywords are now returning AI summaries—and optimize for them first.

How TNG Shopper Automates All of This

At TNG Shopper, we’ve been designing for this world from day one.

Our platform:

• Creates hyper-specific PDPs per product, per store, per search intent

• Automatically implements all required schema

• Optimizes content to rank—and get cited—in AI Mode across thousands of locations, fully autonomously

No rewriting. No manual uploads. No developer work.

We don’t just help you stay visible.

We feed the engine that’s rewriting the SERP.

Final Thought: You’re Not Competing on Rank Anymore, You’re Competing to Be the Answer

In Google’s new world, the SERP has a new top shelf:

It’s AI-generated.

And only a few sources make it in.

If you want to win, stop writing for humans only.

Start writing for humans and the machine that’s answering on their behalf.