Walmart announced on Tuesday that it is partnering with OpenAI to utilize the “Instant Checkout” feature of its artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot, allowing customers to shop directly on the ChatGPT platform.
Through a new partnership with OpenAI as announced in a press release on its official website, the retail giant will first allow customers and members to utilize the “Instant Checkout” feature of ChatGPT for shopping at Walmart. Whether planning to purchase meals, everyday essentials, or exploring new products, customers can simply chat with ChatGPT and place orders, with the rest handled by Walmart.
As the world’s largest retailer, Walmart is expanding its use of artificial intelligence. With various industries adopting this technology to streamline operations and reduce costs, Walmart is also fast-tracking its implementation.
Doug McMillon, CEO of Walmart, stated in the press release, “For years, the e-commerce shopping experience has been comprised of search bars and a long list of product responses. This is about to change.”
He mentioned that the AI shopping experience will be “multimedia, personalized, and contextual,” adding that Walmart’s services are heading towards “a happier, more convenient future.”
The new feature is set to launch in the fall, but fresh food items are temporarily excluded from this service, partly due to consumers purchasing similar products weekly.
Current Walmart or Sam’s Club members’ accounts will be automatically linked to ChatGPT. Third-party sellers will also provide products.
Earlier this year, Walmart outlined plans to introduce an AI-driven “Super Agent” to enhance the shopping experience and simplify operational processes.
Prior to this partnership, OpenAI announced last month that it had established similar collaborations with Etsy and Shopify, leading to a surge in the stock prices of these two online sellers.
OpenAI introduced the “Instant Checkout” feature in late September, stating that it would soon allow shoppers to purchase Walmart products through ChatGPT. The feature will initially support single-item purchases from Etsy sellers.
The “Instant Checkout” feature will serve as a new revenue stream for OpenAI. While Walmart has not disclosed specific collaboration terms, OpenAI previously mentioned that the company would charge fees to businesses for transactions completed through ChatGPT.
Following Walmart’s announcement of the collaboration with OpenAI on Tuesday, its stock price rose, increasing by approximately 3% in early trading on Tuesday.