NEW YORK: Walmart Inc, the world’s largest retailer, said on Tuesday it has partnered with artificial intelligence firm OpenAI to enable customers and Sam’s Club members to make purchases directly within ChatGPT, using the AI chatbot’s new Instant Checkout feature.
The move marks a major step by Walmart to expand its use of artificial intelligence as the retail giant competes in the fast-evolving landscape of AI-driven online shopping. Walmart shares rose about 3% in early trading following the announcement.
AI-driven shopping comes to ChatGPT
Under the partnership, ChatGPT users will soon be able to browse and buy items from Walmart’s vast online catalogue through conversational prompts.
The Instant Checkout feature allows customers to complete single-item purchases directly within the chatbot, without leaving the chat interface.
“For many years now, eCommerce shopping experiences have consisted of a search bar and a long list of item responses. That is about to change,” Walmart Chief Executive Officer Doug McMillon said in a statement.
McMillon said the new feature would make the online shopping experience more “multi-media, personalised and contextual,” describing it as part of Walmart’s push towards a “more enjoyable and convenient future” for shoppers.
Broader AI expansion
Walmart did not specify when the integration would become available, only saying it would roll out “soon.” The financial terms of the deal were also not disclosed.
The announcement comes amid Walmart’s broader efforts to incorporate AI into its retail operations, from customer service and logistics to product recommendations.
The company has already launched Sparky, its own AI-powered shopping assistant within the Walmart app, which helps users find products and manage purchases.
The partnership positions Walmart alongside other major retailers embracing OpenAI’s technology. Last month, OpenAI announced similar collaborations with Etsy and Shopify, which drove up the share prices of both online sellers.
Competition in AI commerce
Walmart’s move comes as rivals, including Amazon, race to embed AI more deeply into their shopping ecosystems.
Amazon introduced its own AI shopping assistant, Rufus, in February 2024, designed to help users find products through natural language queries.
Walmart’s Sparky debuted in June the same year, with the ChatGPT integration now seen as a key step in keeping pace with its competitors.
