Walmart is expanding its e-commerce reach through a new partnership with OpenAI that will allow shoppers to buy products directly via ChatGPT.
The retail giant announced on Tuesday that it has struck a deal with OpenAI to integrate purchasing capabilities into the AI chatbot, giving customers a new, conversational way to shop.
The move is part of Walmart’s ongoing effort to keep pace with changing consumer behaviour as shoppers increasingly use AI tools for gift ideas, product discovery, and deal comparisons.
“For many years now, e-commerce shopping experiences have consisted of a search bar and a long list of item responses,” said Doug McMillon, Walmart president and CEO.
“That is about to change. The experience will be multimedia, personalised and contextual — we’re running towards that more enjoyable and convenient future.”
The company did not specify when ChatGPT users would be able to start purchasing Walmart items, but shares of Walmart rose nearly 5% on Tuesday following the announcement, reaching a 52-week high.
The partnership follows OpenAI’s launch of its Instant Checkout feature in late September, which initially supported single-item purchases from Etsy sellers.
OpenAI said that more than one million Shopify merchants, including brands such as Skims and Glossier, are also expected to join the platform soon.
The Instant Checkout tool marks a new revenue stream for OpenAI, which will charge companies a fee for completed transactions. Financial terms of Walmart’s agreement were not disclosed.
In addition to its collaboration with OpenAI, Walmart continues to develop its own AI-driven retail tools.
The company’s AI-powered shopping assistant, Sparky, already helps customers navigate its app and find products tailored to their preferences.
As Walmart deepens its investment in artificial intelligence, the retailer aims to blend conversational commerce with convenience, creating a more seamless, personalised shopping experience for millions of customers.
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