Shopify (SHOP) shares are soaring 7.36% in pre-market trading on Tuesday, building on the previous day's gains. The e-commerce giant's stock price surge comes in response to CEO Tobi Lütke's announcement of sweeping new artificial intelligence (AI) policies, signaling a significant shift in the company's approach to technology integration.

In a memo released to employees, Lütke outlined Shopify's commitment to making AI usage a "fundamental expectation" for all staff members. The new policies encourage employees to incorporate AI as a critic, tutor, programmer, or deep researcher in their daily work. Moreover, the company plans to include questions about AI utilization in performance reviews and peer evaluations, underlining the importance of AI adoption across the organization.

Investors have responded positively to Shopify's aggressive AI strategy, viewing it as a potential catalyst for increased efficiency and innovation within the company. By positioning itself at the forefront of the AI revolution in the e-commerce sector, Shopify aims to maintain its competitive edge and drive future growth. The market's enthusiastic reaction suggests that this AI-centric approach could lead to improved competitiveness and enhanced long-term prospects for the company, as it continues to assist merchants with AI-powered tools for tasks such as answering customer questions, writing product descriptions, and crafting email subject lines.