Walmart has taken a step toward the future of retail by announcing a new strategic collaboration with OpenAI, which will allow its customers to shop directly through ChatGPT using the Instant Checkout functionality. This initiative seeks to combine Walmart’s speed, pricing, and product assortment with the personalization and predictive capabilities of artificial intelligence.
Until now, their eCommerce experience was limited to entering terms into a search bar and browsing through long lists of products. However, Walmart intends to change that drastically. According to Doug McMillon, Chief Executive Officer of Walmart Inc., the goal is to provide a more engaging, contextual, and multimedia-rich shopping experience by using tools such as Sparky and this new partnership with OpenAI.
This approach aligns with the concept of agentic commerce: a model in which artificial intelligence evolves from being reactive to becoming an active assistant that learns from the user, anticipates their needs, and offers solutions even before the user begins searching. It marks a leap toward a more intuitive and efficient experience, where one can plan a meal, restock household essentials, or discover new products simply by having a conversation with a chatbot.
“We are excited to collaborate with Walmart to simplify everyday shopping. This is just one example of how artificial intelligence can make daily life easier,” stated Sam Altman, CEO and Co-Founder of OpenAI.
However, this transformation is not limited to the shopping interface. Walmart and Sam’s Club already apply artificial intelligence across all areas of their operations. From optimizing the product catalog—which has enabled reductions in fashion production timelines by up to 18 weeks—to improving customer service, which has seen a 40% decrease in resolution times.
Additionally, they are advancing the digital literacy of their workforce through AI training programs. Walmart was one of the first companies to adopt OpenAI certification and has begun implementing ChatGPT Enterprise among its internal teams, focusing on a strategic and responsible use of the technology.
This “people-led and tech-powered” approach, as described by the company itself, emphasizes that the use of artificial intelligence is not intended to replace human interaction, but rather to remove friction from the purchasing process and make each interaction smoother, faster, and more satisfying.
Image: Nano Banana
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
Δ