Walmart to Enable Product Purchases via ChatGPT

Walmart has announced a partnership with OpenAI, allowing consumers to purchase Walmart products through ChatGPT starting this fall. This development follows a series of recent AI-related commerce announcements.

The collaboration mirrors previous agreements between OpenAI and other ecommerce companies like Shopify and Etsy, highlighting the increasing demand for 'agentic commerce'—the ability to make diverse purchases through a chatbot. OpenAI first introduced shopping within ChatGPT in April.

Doug McMillon, Walmart's president and CEO, stated that the traditional ecommerce experience of search bars and long item lists is set to evolve. He emphasized the emergence of a native AI experience that is multimedia, personalized, and contextual.

Walmart has already invested significantly in generative AI technology, providing AI tools to store employees and launching an AI-powered shopping assistant named Sparky in June.

Sam Altman, cofounder and CEO of OpenAI, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, noting that it simplifies everyday purchases. He remarked that this is just one way AI will assist people daily.

UBS analyst Michael Lasser noted that the deal aligns with Walmart's history of early adoption of new technology. He mentioned that ChatGPT is increasingly used for product discovery, offering differentiation and added value compared to other retailers.