Walmart to enable shopping directly in ChatGPT
Walmart is the latest retailer to team up with OpenAI to allow ChatGPT users to directly shop and buy its products using the chatbot app.
The retail giant is partnering with OpenAI, the developer of the generative AI model ChatGPT, which interacts with users in a conversational style that mimics human interaction and uses machine learning to continually refine and improve its responses. The partnership will allow Walmart and Sam’s Club shoppers to complete purchases directly within ChatGPT. The feature will be based on "instant checkout," a new offering from OpenAI that enables users to discover, browse, and purchase items directly from partner retailers within the ChatGPT environment.
In announcing the move, Walmart said it is ushering in the next generation of retail by combining its huge assortment, everyday low prices and delivery speed with the power of AI.
"For many years now, e-commerce shopping experiences have consisted of a search bar and a long list of item response," said Doug McMillon, president and CEO, Walmart Inc. "That is about to change. There is a native AI experience coming that is multi-media, personalized and contextual. We are running towards that more enjoyable and convenient future with Sparky and through partnerships including this important step with OpenAI."
Other retailers that have already been offering ChatGPT-enabled shopping via Instant Checkout include e-commerce platform Shopify and online retailer Etsy.
Walmart’s ChatGPT shopping experience will use the AI model’s machine learning capabilities to learn, plan and predict customer purchases, helping shoppers anticipate their needs before they do. Customers will be able to chat and buy, and Walmart will handle the rest. Walmart calls this model of digital shopping, which replaces typing search terms into an engine with natural-language chatting and dynamic anticipation and suggestions of customer needs, “agentic commerce.”
Agentic commerce is based on agentic AI, which goes a step beyond goes a step beyond the prescriptive capabilities of generative AI by analyzing massive amounts of data in near-real-time and then automatically taking action based on the results.
[READ MORE: Walmart pursues enterprise agentic AI strategy]
Walmart has been actively developing AI solutions for both customers and employees for several years now, such as the next-gen "Ask Sparky" button in its mobile app which customers can use across all product categories to find items, synthesize reviews and conduct natural-language searches.
The discounter is also launching a new OpenAI certifications program through Walmart Academy, which trains store employees and managers.
"Today, Walmart and Sam’s Club leverage AI across every part of the business," said Sam Altman, cofounder and CEO of OpenAI. "It's not just about moving fast; it’s about moving smarter and with purpose. The company is applying AI so every shopping experience is more convenient and more rewarding."
Headquartered in Bentonville, Ark., Walmart operates more than 10,750 stores and numerous eCommerce websites in 19 countries.
