The ChatGPT-ification of American business
Subscribe to enjoy similar stories.For years, companies have been looking to replicate the smooth conversational experience of ChatGPT with artificial-intelligence agents and chatbots on their websites. Now some are finding there might be value in cozying up to ChatGPT itself.OpenAI in recent weeks has seen a surge in businesses publishing so-called ChatGPT apps, including rollouts from Starbucks, Little Caesars Pizza and Wyndham Hotels last month.These apps are a way for users to engage with brands directly inside the ChatGPT interface, getting answers and advice on products and services.
Often they will take users right up until the point of action, directing them to Little Caesars’s own mobile app or website, for example, when they are ready to place or pay for an order.OpenAI announced the capability in October 2025 but said it recently streamlined its process for approving apps, one reason for the recent burst.Brands say the upshot is customer proximity. “We wanted to meet our customers where they are,” said Neelima Sharma, senior vice president of omnichannel and e-commerce technology at Lowe’s, whose ChatGPT app went live in February.But the business value of some of these apps remains hazy, with brands citing issues with discoverability, data sharing and ownership of the customer relationship as challenges that still need to be worked out.An OpenAI spokesperson said the company is seeing strong momentum around apps, with hundreds of apps live and new apps launching every day.“We’re still in the very early days of this ecosystem, and we recognize there’s more work to do to make the experience better for brands and users alike.
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