MINNEAPOLIS — Target updated its online terms and conditions on March 22, 2026, to allow third-party AI agents such as Google Gemini to shop and complete purchases on customers' behalf. The policy change is tied to a coming integration with Google's Gemini AI, which could enable the tool to suggest Target products and finalize transactions for shoppers.

A spokesperson said the retailer needed to update its terms to reflect that Google Gemini can connect to Target on a user's behalf, involving a third party in the transaction. Shoppers would still need to direct and approve purchases made through the AI tools, the spokesperson said.

The updated terms and conditions state that if a customer authorizes an AI shopping agent to act on their behalf, those purchases and transactions will be considered transactions authorized by the customer. The terms also note that Target does not guarantee that third-party AI tools will act exactly as the customer intends in all circumstances. Products purchased through AI will still be eligible for returns or exchanges subject to Target's standard return policy when the integration is rolled out, the spokesperson said.

AI agents cannot currently make purchases on a Target shopper's behalf. The retailer has previously introduced AI-powered tools designed to make shopping easier both online and in stores.

Neil Saunders, managing director of retail at GlobalData, said, "This is a significant shift in that it signals the age of agentic commerce is becoming a reality for many retailers. That said, I don't think Target is expecting this to be a huge piece of their sales pie just yet — agentic commerce is still at a very embryonic stage."

Prat Vemana, Target's chief information and product officer, said, "I couldn't have asked for a better time for AI to show up, because now we have a need. We have a bold agenda ahead of us."

Target reported a 1.7% decline in sales for its 2025 fiscal year while competitors Walmart and Costco continued to grow sales. Technology is one of four pillars of Target CEO Michael Fiddelke's comeback plan, along with new merchandising, an upgraded shopping experience, and strengthening relationships with employees and the community.

Target is not the only major retailer adjusting to AI-assisted shopping. Amazon and Walmart have each rolled out in-house AI assistants — Rufus and Sparky, respectively — built directly into their platforms, and both have updated their terms and conditions to account for AI. Walmart has deals with OpenAI and Google Gemini, and its updated terms warn that its AI may produce text that contains errors and omissions, advising shoppers to review and verify all purchases before checkout. Amazon has emphasized safeguards and accuracy in its AI disclosures instead of outlining specific user liability for purchases.