Add-to-cart bots are considered controversial but necessary tools among savvy shoppers who are eager for an edge in the competitive collectors’ market, where speed is key to grabbing a pair of Yeezys or Hamilton tickets. But how might this technology impact the wider retail and resale sector?

While 55% of Britons believe their mental health and wellbeing are impacted by financial worries, many will avoid seeking advice from banks for fear of judgement. Plum gets around this with its Facebook Messenger-based bot that helps users save up, track their spending, and start investing.

The number of people using messaging apps is set to hit two billion by 2018, so it’s no wonder brands want to get in on the action. Major tech players are touting chatbots as the next big thing, but can they really revolutionise online interactions, or are they just part of an industry-driven pipe dream?

Online sales account for just 17% of spending on denim in the US – no surprise given that finding the perfect fitting jeans can require multiple store visits. Levi’s aims to change that with its Virtual Stylist, a chatbot that learns a user’s ideal style and fit before making recommendations.