If they want to sell more products to more people they will need to provide those APIs. If an AI assistant can make home maintenance more accessible then that will translate to more people shopping at Lowes more often but only if their inventory and its location are accessible by the assistant helping the customer decide which store to go to for the right part. If your store blocks the assistant then it’s going to suggest the competitor who provides access. It would be even better if the assistant can place an order for curbside pickup.