Walmart is partnering with OpenAI to let shoppers buy groceries and household items directly through ChatGPT, marking one of the largest retail integrations yet between artificial intelligence and e-commerce. The move positions Walmart at the forefront of what it calls "AI-first shopping," where conversational technology replaces traditional search and checkout systems.
The retail giant said the new capability will allow customers to use ChatGPT for tasks such as planning meals, restocking staples, and checking out with a single command. Users could type prompts like "plan a weeknight taco dinner" or "reorder my staples," and the chatbot will generate personalized suggestions from Walmart's inventory before processing the transaction instantly.
"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 company statement. "That is about to change." He added that the company's upcoming AI experience will be "multi-media, personalized and contextual," describing it as a step toward "a more enjoyable and convenient future."
The new system builds on OpenAI's recently announced "Instant Checkout" feature, which enables direct purchasing within ChatGPT. Walmart will join other retail partners in the program, which initially rolled out with select Etsy sellers and is expected to expand to Shopify merchants, including brands such as Skims and Glossier.
While Walmart did not disclose when ChatGPT-based purchasing will officially launch, it said the integration is "coming soon." The company declined to reveal financial terms of the partnership, though OpenAI previously confirmed it will charge participating businesses a fee per completed transaction.
Walmart-owned Sam's Club has also adopted AI for in-store operations, using computer vision technology to eliminate long lines during receipt verification at exits. Meanwhile, Walmart's in-house digital assistant, Sparky, continues to handle voice-based shopping through the company's mobile app.
