OpenAI teams up with Walmart to enable shopping directly in ChatGPT
“For many years now, eCommerce shopping experiences have consisted of a search bar and a long list of item responses,” Walmart CEO Doug McMillon said in a statement
OpenAI has partnered with Walmart to allow shoppers to buy products directly through ChatGPT, expanding the AI company's growing move into digital commerce as it seeks new revenue sources.
In a joint announcement yesterday (14 October), Walmart said the new feature will let customers "simply chat and buy," meaning users can instantly purchase items — from groceries and household essentials to other products they're discussing with the chatbot — without leaving the app.
"For many years now, eCommerce shopping experiences have consisted of a search bar and a long list of item responses," Walmart CEO Doug McMillon said in a statement. "That is about to change."
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said the partnership will "make everyday purchases a little simpler."
The companies did not specify when the feature will launch, only saying it would be available "soon."
The deal marks OpenAI's latest move into online retail, following similar integrations with Shopify and Etsy sellers. Teaming up with Walmart — the world's largest retailer — represents a major leap, potentially positioning ChatGPT as a competitor to Amazon and Google in the digital shopping space.
OpenAI, which has yet to turn a profit, has relied heavily on investor funding to maintain and expand its AI systems. The company said last month that it collaborated with payments firm Stripe to develop the technical framework for its "Instant Checkout" feature.
Meanwhile, Walmart has been accelerating its own use of artificial intelligence across operations. The Bentonville, Arkansas-based retailer highlighted tools like its AI shopping assistant "Sparky" and other innovations deployed in Walmart and Sam's Club stores. Members of Sam's Club will also be able to use ChatGPT's new shopping feature once it launches.
"AI is transforming everything we do, from smarter catalogs to faster delivery — and it only works if people trust it," said Daniel Danker, Walmart's executive vice president for AI Acceleration, Product and Design.
Shares of Walmart closed nearly 5% higher on Tuesday following the announcement.
