Shopify mandates daily AI use across all roles, warning staff against opting out of the technology
Shopify Inc. has made the use of artificial intelligence a mandatory component of its operations, instructing all employees—from staff to executives—to incorporate AI in their work processes.
According to The Globe and Mail, this directive comes as the company intensifies efforts to embed AI into every aspect of its business.
In an internal memo shared Tuesday on X, founder and chief executive officer Tobi Lütke told staff that AI is essential to improving efficiency.
— tobi lutke (@tobi) April 7, 2025
He called it a “fundamental expectation” that employees integrate AI into their daily tasks and decision-making.
Staff are now required to explain why AI cannot be used when requesting additional resources or head count. Additionally, they will need to disclose their AI usage in both peer and performance reviews.
Lütke stated that opting out of AI use is not realistic, writing: “Frankly, I don’t think it’s feasible to opt out of learning the skill of applying AI in your craft; you are welcome to try, but I want to be honest – I cannot see this working out today, and definitely not tomorrow.”
While Lütke framed AI as a means to empower employees and enhance skills, the memo also signals that those not using the technology may be left behind in the growth-driven company.
Shopify, which provides e-commerce solutions to small businesses and retailers, has already integrated a number of AI tools for merchants in recent years.
These include chatbots, image processing software, caption writers, and e-mail tools. The company also gives its staff access to AI-powered coding tools.
This internal mandate aligns with broader trends in the corporate sector, where businesses are embedding AI into operations ranging from customer service and cybersecurity to supply-chain management.
Although these tools are often promoted for their ability to improve productivity and reduce costs, they have also raised questions around job displacement.
As of the end of 2024, Shopify reported having approximately 8,100 employees globally, marking a decline of 200 from the year before.
Last week, Shopify’s stock declined nearly 20 percent following news that the US would eliminate the de minimis exemption.
This exemption had previously allowed low-value items to enter the country without tariffs.
Alongside newly announced US tariffs, this change may increase costs for American consumers, potentially affecting Shopify merchants through both added duties and decreased spending.
