Home Depot Expands Google Cloud Partnership, Launches Agentic AI Tools for Homeowners and Professionals

HD
January 12, 2026

Home Depot announced a broad expansion of its partnership with Google Cloud, adding agentic AI tools that deliver real‑time, expert guidance to homeowners and professional customers such as contractors, renovators, and remodelers. The new capabilities are built on Google Cloud’s Gemini models and Gemini Enterprise for Customer Experience (CX), and they extend the retailer’s existing Magic Apron assistant with conversational guidance, personalized product recommendations, and AI‑powered product‑list builders for pros.

The enhanced Magic Apron assistant now uses Gemini’s generative‑AI engine to understand project context, ask clarifying questions, and generate detailed material lists that can be directly added to a customer’s cart. Gemini Enterprise for CX provides a unified conversational layer that maintains context across multiple touchpoints—web, mobile, and in‑store—allowing the AI to handle complex queries, recommend solutions, and even place orders on behalf of the user. The agentic nature of the tools means they can take action, such as ordering missing items or scheduling delivery, rather than merely providing information.

For homeowners, the AI assistant offers step‑by‑step guidance on DIY projects, from selecting the right paint to estimating labor costs. For professional customers, the product‑list builders streamline estimating and procurement, reducing the time needed to create accurate bids and improving order accuracy. By automating these tasks, Home Depot aims to increase repeat business from high‑ticket pro customers and shorten the sales cycle for large projects.

Strategically, the partnership positions Home Depot as a leader in the emerging agentic‑commerce space, where AI agents actively solve problems and execute tasks. The move differentiates the retailer from competitors such as Lowe’s and Menards by offering a more proactive, AI‑first shopping experience. The focus on professional customers also aligns with Home Depot’s broader strategy to capture higher‑margin, repeat business, while the in‑store AI pilots—currently testing in select locations—promise to improve operational efficiency and customer service across the network.

The announcement was made at the National Retail Federation’s 2026 conference, underscoring its importance to the industry. Home Depot’s executive team highlighted that the new AI tools will be integrated into Google’s broader AI ecosystem, including AI Mode in Google Search and the Gemini app, potentially expanding reach and customer acquisition. Management emphasized that the partnership will accelerate the retailer’s digital transformation, deepen customer engagement, and create new revenue streams through enhanced product recommendations and streamlined procurement for professionals.

The long‑term vision is to embed AI across all touchpoints—digital, in‑store, and on the job site—creating a seamless, proactive experience that anticipates customer needs and reduces friction. By leveraging Google Cloud’s AI platform, Home Depot can scale these capabilities, refine the agentic experience, and maintain a competitive edge in a market where AI‑driven personalization is becoming a key differentiator.

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