Retail giant Walmart announced on Tuesday a new partnership with OpenAI, allowing customers and Sam’s Club members to shop directly through ChatGPT using its Instant Checkout feature. The move reflects Walmart’s growing investment in artificial intelligence to enhance customer experience and streamline online shopping.
Following the announcement, Walmart shares rose 5 percent, closing at $107.21. The company is leveraging AI tools like its generative AI assistant ‘Sparky,’ available on the Walmart app, to help customers with product suggestions, summarizing reviews, and other shopping-related queries.
The partnership with OpenAI comes as Walmart aims to narrow the competitive gap with Amazon, which already offers Rufus, a Gen AI-powered shopping assistant. By integrating ChatGPT, Walmart seeks to simplify online shopping while keeping pace with technology-driven retail trends.
Data from Similar Web shows that around 15 percent of Walmart’s total referral traffic in September came from ChatGPT, up from 9.5 percent in August. While ChatGPT referrals remain a small portion of Walmart’s overall web traffic—less than 1 percent—they indicate growing interest in AI-assisted shopping.
In addition to its AI initiatives, Walmart is expanding its 10 percent employee discount to cover nearly all grocery items, including dairy, meat, seafood, and dry goods. Previously, the discount applied mainly to fresh produce and general merchandise such as apparel. The program, available in stores and online, is now extended year-round.
Walmart’s Chief People Officer, Donna Morris, highlighted that the expanded discount responds to employee feedback, stating, “We’ve heard your feedback that these savings make a real difference for you and your families.” The benefit, first introduced more than 50 years ago, remains one of Walmart’s most requested perks.
In other news read more about As AI Threatens Jobs, India Bets on Speed Over Caution
By combining AI-driven shopping with enhanced employee benefits, Walmart continues to strengthen its position as the largest retailer and private employer in the United States, demonstrating innovation and a commitment to both customers and staff.
