Walmart Partners with OpenAI to Bring Shopping to ChatGPT
Walmart is teaming up with OpenAI to enable users to browse and purchase products directly through ChatGPT, marking the largest retailer’s strategic move to use artificial intelligence and gain an edge over Amazon in the e-commerce space.
Key Takeaways
- Shopping feature launches in fall 2024 via ChatGPT
- Includes Walmart items plus third-party sellers
- Uses OpenAI’s “Instant Checkout” for direct purchases
- Walmart stock rose 3% following announcement
Transforming the Online Shopping Experience
Walmart CEO Doug McMillon announced that the retailer’s current online shopping approach—characterized by a “search bar and a long list of item responses”—will be revolutionized through AI-powered multimedia experiences and personalized recommendations.
A Walmart spokesperson confirmed to CNN that the feature will debut this fall, offering access to Walmart’s extensive product catalog along with clothing, entertainment, and food items from third-party sellers. Sam’s Club products will follow shortly after the initial launch.
OpenAI’s Expanding Commerce Partnerships
Walmart will utilize OpenAI’s recently introduced “Instant Checkout” tool, enabling direct purchases through ChatGPT without leaving the conversation. While OpenAI has similar arrangements with Etsy and upcoming integrations with Shopify-powered brands like Skims and Vuori, the Walmart partnership represents ChatGPT’s most significant shopping collaboration to date.
Closing the AI Gap with Amazon
The partnership accelerates Walmart’s AI ambitions, which have trailed behind Amazon’s developments. Walmart launched its personal shopping tool Sparky in 2025—more than a year after Amazon introduced Rufus—highlighting the competitive pressure in retail AI innovation.
As tech companies commit hundreds of billions to AI infrastructure, including data centers and chip orders, questions remain about the sector’s profitability despite soaring stock valuations.
While financial terms of the OpenAI-Walmart agreement remain confidential, the market responded positively with Walmart (WMT) shares climbing nearly 3% following the announcement.
