Google Expands UCP Direct Checkout to AI Mode and Gemini in Canada

Google is expanding its Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP) direct checkout feature to AI Mode and the Gemini app in Canada. This allows eligible products from partners like lululemon, select Shopify merchants, Shoppers Drug Mart, and Simon's to be purchased within an AI conversation, rather than redirecting the shopper to a retailer's website.

The rollout began on November 4, 2026. For retailers, this represents a practical example of agentic commerce, where an AI interface helps guide customers from product discovery to checkout. It also highlights the importance of accurate product information that retailers make available to Google. When direct checkout is available, shoppers can complete purchases without leaving the Google AI interface, using Google Pay and payment/shipping details stored in Google Wallet.

The retailer remains the seller of record, maintaining control over the commercial relationship and customizing the UCP integration as needed. Tax handling, refunds, fulfillment, and other financial processes still need to be managed through the retailer's own systems. This expansion is not a blanket rollout to every merchant or Canadian product listing; Google has named a limited set of initial partners with no further details on eligibility, onboarding requirements, or broader expansion.

UCP is Google's protocol for enabling commerce actions across AI experiences, allowing shopping experiences to pass customers from product consideration into retailer-supported checkout flows. The key change is enabling actions within its AI surfaces, which may alter the role of traditional product page visits in some customer journeys.

Retailers are encouraged to review titles, attributes, prices, and availability to ensure product relevancy and proper eligibility for AI Mode and Gemini. Shopify merchants, while part of the initial Canadian launch, should verify their Merchant Center setup and ensure their catalog and checkout operations are ready for the markets they serve.

Google plans to add features like applying loyalty rewards in the coming months, requiring further evaluation of how AI-surface checkouts fit existing reward rules.