Walmart Uses ChatGPT to Improve Online Shopping

Published Date : 15/10/2025 

Walmart is partnering with OpenAI to integrate ChatGPT into its online shopping platform, allowing customers to shop and pay using the AI chatbot's Instant Checkout technology. 

Walmart, the world's largest retailer, is making a significant move in the realm of artificial intelligence (AI) by integrating OpenAI's ChatGPT into its online shopping platform. The company announced this partnership on October 14, signaling a shift towards a more interactive and personalized shopping experience.

The rollout, expected to be implemented soon, will allow Walmart shoppers to use ChatGPT for a variety of tasks, from planning meals and restocking household essentials to finding unique gifts. The integration of OpenAI's Instant Checkout technology will further streamline the purchasing process, making it easier and faster for customers to complete their transactions.

Doug McMillon, Walmart's president and CEO, stated in a news release, “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. There is a native AI experience coming that is multi-media, personalized, and contextual.” This move is part of Walmart's broader strategy to enhance the shopping experience and stay ahead in the competitive retail market.

Walmart had previously introduced its own AI shopping assistant, Sparky, in June. Sparky will continue to be part of the new shopping experience, complementing the integration of ChatGPT. McMillon emphasized, “We are running towards that more enjoyable and convenient future with Sparky and through partnerships including this important step with OpenAI.”

The integration of ChatGPT into Walmart's platform will enable customers to engage in natural conversations to find products. For example, a customer could ask, “What are the best running shoes under $100?” or “What are some gifts for a ceramics lover?” ChatGPT will then present relevant product suggestions. With OpenAI's Instant Checkout, customers can simply tap 'Buy,' confirm their order, shipping, and payment details, and complete the purchase with ease.

Etsy and Shopify are also among the initial merchants to adopt OpenAI's Instant Checkout for single-item purchases, with support for multi-item online carts coming soon. Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, commented, “We’re excited to partner with Walmart to make everyday purchases a little simpler. It's just one way AI will help people every day under our work together.”

While AI shopping can offer numerous benefits, such as personalized recommendations and a streamlined purchasing process, there are potential risks to consider. Protecting personal information is a significant concern, as everything typed into a chatbot is used to improve the AI model. John Harmon, managing director of technology at Coresight Research, noted, “Everything you type into a chatbot is used by the model to get better. So it stays there. Protecting your personal information is a big deal.”

Despite these concerns, many consumers are embracing AI shopping agents. According to a Coresight Research survey, 64% of online consumers already use, plan to use, or would like to use generative AI for shopping. Nearly three in 10 (29%) said they were more likely to shop on a website with an AI chatbot. Harmon, who was initially skeptical, shared his positive experience with ChatGPT, saying, “I was looking for a backpack. So I go into ChatGPT and I said, 'Show me stylish designer backpacks for men under $100' and it produced a rich page of product and photos and recommendations and descriptions and reviews. It's a really rich shopping … and search experience that these chatbots provide.”

Walmart's AI shopping experience aims to shift from a reactive to a proactive approach, learning and predicting customer needs. However, shoppers will need to balance the convenience of AI recommendations with the protection of their personal data. As AI continues to evolve, it is likely to play an increasingly significant role in enhancing the online shopping experience for consumers worldwide. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS): 

Q: What is the main benefit of Walmart's partnership with OpenAI?

A: The main benefit is the integration of ChatGPT into Walmart's online shopping platform, which will provide a more interactive and personalized shopping experience, along with the convenience of Instant Checkout technology.

Q: How does ChatGPT assist Walmart shoppers?

A: ChatGPT helps shoppers by providing personalized product recommendations through natural conversations, making it easier to find and purchase items online.

Q: What is Instant Checkout, and how does it work?

A: Instant Checkout is a feature provided by OpenAI that allows customers to complete their purchases quickly by tapping 'Buy,' confirming their order details, and completing the transaction.

Q: Are there any privacy concerns with using AI for shopping?

A: Yes, there are privacy concerns as everything typed into a chatbot is used to improve the AI model. It is important for shoppers to protect their personal information when using AI shopping assistants.

Q: How has consumer sentiment towards AI shopping agents been so far?

A: Consumer sentiment has been largely positive, with 64% of online consumers already using, planning to use, or interested in using generative AI for shopping, according to a Coresight Research survey. 

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