For years, Amazon has been the king of product search. But things are shifting, and the next generation of shoppers is leading the way. Google is now the starting point for Gen Z shoppers, and that’s a trend every merchant should have on their radar.
According to new research, 56% of Gen Z shoppers now start their product searches on Google platforms like Search, YouTube, or Gemini. Even when they already know what they want, 30% still go to Google before anything else. Meanwhile, Amazon’s share of product discovery is dropping, especially among younger shoppers.
Search Habits Are Changing Fast
Why the switch? It’s a mix of new tools and changing preferences. Google’s generative AI results, Lens search, and video-heavy experience are connecting with Gen Z in ways Amazon isn’t.
Shoppers are no longer just typing in keywords. They’re snapping photos, watching reviews, and asking AI for quick comparisons. If your store isn’t showing up in those channels, you’re missing the start of the conversation.
What This Means for Merchants
This is more than just another platform shift. It’s a reminder that product discovery is expanding, and your marketing strategy needs to expand with it.
Google isn’t just for directions or dinner ideas anymore. It’s the first stop for product research, price checks, and purchase decisions. If you want to meet Gen Z where they are, your listings, ads, and product content need to work well in a Google-first world.
How to Adapt Without Overhauling Everything
You don’t need to rebuild your business, but a few smart moves can go a long way:
- Make sure your product listings are optimized for Google search and shopping feeds.
- Include rich visuals, clear specs, and video if you have it.
- Try small ad campaigns on Google Shopping or YouTube if your audience is skewing younger.
- Watch your analytics closely to track where traffic is coming from and how that’s changing.
Make Sure Your Store Shows Up and Ships Fast
As shopper behavior evolves, your store needs to stay visible and responsive. Google Is Now the Starting Point for Gen Z Shoppers, so your products need to appear where they are searching and be delivered quickly once they click.
Ordoro helps you stay ready. With synced inventory, multi-channel shipping, and clean order management, you can keep your operations tight no matter where the sale starts.
Chat with an Ordoro expert to future-proof your fulfillment and make sure you’re ready for the next generation of shoppers.