Home Depot adds ‘voice-activated’ shopping to the mix

The nation's largest home improvement retailer is getting in on the voice shopping game.



Home Depot is joining Google Express this fall, a move that will give its customers the ability to shop just by speaking their orders. Google Assistant, the search giant's online shopping platform, resides on Google’s smart speaker Google Home and other smart devices.



The new option expands Home Depot’s omnichannel strategy, which currently encompasses 2,282 store locations and a digital endless aisle available online and via mobile devices. By adding Google Assistant to the mix, customers will be able to shop via voice on Google Home devices, or the Google Express website or app.



"We're focused on delivering convenience and value as we continue to invest in best-in-class interconnected experiences for our customers," said the company’s online president and chief marketing officer Kevin Hofmann. "Google has been a key strategic partner for us over many years, and we're excited to take our relationship to the next level with the Google Assistant and Google Express."



The move also takes direct aim at Amazon and its Alexa voice-controlled device — especially as the online giant continues to steal more wallet share from the tools and home improvement category.



Last month, Walmart announced it is also embarking on a similar partnership with Google. By teaming up with search engine giant, Walmart enables customers use Google Assistant to shop among hundreds of thousands of items.



Walmart, which is also using the program to bolster its defense against online rival Amazon, said the service will be available in late September.