Walmart and Google have announced a major partnership to integrate Google's artificial intelligence assistant, Gemini, into the shopping experience for Walmart and Sam's Club customers. The collaboration, revealed at the National Retail Federation’s Big Show in New York City, aims to simplify how consumers discover and purchase products using advanced AI.
Incoming Walmart CEO John Furner and Google CEO Sundar Pichai detailed the initiative, positioning it as a significant step in the evolution of retail. While a specific launch date was not provided, the new feature is set to debut in the United States before expanding to international markets.
Key Takeaways
- Walmart and Google are partnering to use the Gemini AI assistant for online shopping.
- The goal is to create a more intuitive way for customers to find and buy products.
- This initiative is part of Walmart's broader strategy to lead in AI-driven commerce, which includes an existing partnership with OpenAI.
- The feature will first be available to shoppers in the U.S. before a global rollout.
A Strategic Move in AI Commerce
The announcement was made on stage at the retail industry's premier annual conference, signaling a clear direction for both companies. The partnership leverages Google's powerful AI capabilities to enhance Walmart's vast retail network, fundamentally changing how customers interact with the retailer online.
John Furner, who is set to take over as Walmart's CEO on February 1, described the move as a proactive effort to shape the future of shopping. He emphasized that the company is not merely adapting to technological shifts but is actively driving them.
"The transition from traditional web or app search to agent-led commerce represents the next great evolution in retail. We aren’t just watching the shift, we are driving it."
Furner added that with AI, Walmart is “trying to close the gap between I want it and I have it,” suggesting a future where the path from desire to ownership becomes nearly instantaneous.
What is Agent-Led Commerce?
Agent-led commerce refers to using AI assistants, or "agents," like Google's Gemini or OpenAI's ChatGPT to handle shopping tasks. Instead of searching a website, a user can tell the AI what they need, and the agent can find products, compare options, and even complete the purchase on the user's behalf.
The Vision for a Transformed Shopping Journey
Google CEO Sundar Pichai expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, calling the current adoption of AI a “transformative” moment for industries worldwide. The partnership aims to make shopping more conversational and intuitive, moving beyond simple keyword searches.
For Walmart, this strategy is about meeting customers wherever they begin their shopping journey, which increasingly includes AI chatbots. David Guggina, Walmart U.S.’s Chief Ecommerce Officer, stated that this approach allows the company to connect with shoppers earlier and in more diverse digital environments.
“Over time, these agents will make it easier for customers to find what they need, want and love,” Guggina said in a statement. The integration with Gemini is designed to understand complex or vague requests, offer personalized suggestions, and streamline the entire process from discovery to checkout.
Expanding Walmart's AI Ecosystem
This collaboration with Google is not Walmart's first venture into generative AI for commerce. The retail giant is pursuing a multi-faceted AI strategy to maintain its competitive edge.
In October, Walmart announced a deal with OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, to enable an “Instant Checkout” feature. This allows shoppers to purchase items directly within the ChatGPT interface. That feature recently went live, placing Walmart alongside other brands like Etsy and Skims using the technology.
Walmart's Existing AI Tools
Beyond external partnerships, Walmart has also developed its own in-house AI assistant. The chatbot, named Sparky, is available on the Walmart app and is designed to assist customers with their shopping needs, showcasing the company's commitment to building its own AI capabilities.
By working with both Google's Gemini and OpenAI's ChatGPT, Walmart is ensuring its presence on the leading AI platforms, preventing a single technology provider from dominating the future of AI-powered retail.
Implications for the Future of Work and Retail
The push toward AI is not just about customer experience; it is also set to reshape the retail industry's workforce. Retiring Walmart CEO Doug McMillon has been outspoken about the technology's broad impact, previously stating that “it’s very clear that AI is going to change literally every job.”
As the largest private employer in the United States, Walmart's investments in AI carry significant weight for the future of labor. The company's leaders suggest that AI will augment employee roles, freeing them from repetitive tasks to focus on more complex, customer-facing responsibilities.
This partnership between two of the world's largest companies underscores a pivotal moment for retail. As AI becomes more integrated into daily life, the line between searching for information and buying a product is blurring, and Walmart is positioning itself to be at the center of this new commercial landscape.