Global e-commerce enabler, Shopify Inc has mandated that teams must justify why artificial intelligence (AI) cannot perform a task before seeking additional staff or resources.
The directive signals a strong pivot towards AI integration, amid growing debate around the technology’s impact on employment.
Autonomous agents in team
A memo released by CEO Tobi Lütke urged the Ottawa-based e-commerce software company's staff not already treating AI like a critic, tutor, programmer or deep researcher to use the technology.
“Before asking for more headcount and resources, teams must demonstrate why they cannot get what they want done using AI,” he wrote.
“What would this area look like if autonomous AI agents were already part of the team? This question can lead to really fun discussions and projects.”
AI to disrupt
A recent report from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) estimates that AI could disrupt over 40% of roles globally.
Shopify employed approximately 8,100 people as of 2024, following a 20% reduction in workforce the previous year.
In January, the company reportedly made further cuts within its customer service team, according to Business Insider.
Shopify's use of AI has steadily increased in recent years with the company rolling out tools its merchants can use to answer questions or write product descriptions and email subject lines.
Lütke has said he used the technology to create a talk he offered at the company's last annual summit, where he encouraged more staff to follow his lead and dabble in AI.
"What we have learned so far is that using AI well is a skill that needs to be carefully learned by ... using it a lot. It’s just too unlike everything else," he said in his memo.
"The call to tinker with it was the right one, but it was too much of a suggestion. This is what I want to change here today."
Shopify in Australia
In Australia, Shopify maintains a strong presence through its subsidiary, Shopify (Australia) Pty Ltd and powers over 25% of the online commerce in the country.
As of April 2025, Australia hosts approximately 121,109 active Shopify stores, positioning it as the third-largest market for Shopify globally, following the United States and the United Kingdom