Walmart Partners with OpenAI to Bring AI-Driven Shopping to ChatGPT

Retail giant introduces “agentic commerce” experience powered by OpenAI’s Instant Checkout feature as it deepens AI integration across operations.

Walmart (NYSE: WMT) is taking another major step toward redefining the retail experience through artificial intelligence, announcing a new partnership with OpenAI that will allow customers to shop directly through ChatGPT using Instant Checkout — transforming how consumers discover, select, and purchase products online.

The initiative marks a new frontier in digital commerce, where customers can simply describe what they need — from meal planning and restocking essentials to finding gifts — and complete their purchase instantly without leaving the chat interface.

“For many years now, eCommerce shopping experiences have consisted of a search bar and a long list of item responses. That is about to change,” said Doug McMillon, President and CEO of Walmart Inc. “There is a native AI experience coming that is multimedia, personalized, and contextual. We are running toward that more enjoyable and convenient future with Sparky and through partnerships including this important step with OpenAI.”

From Search to Conversation: The Rise of “Agentic Commerce”

The partnership integrates OpenAI’s Instant Checkout — a feature first introduced in late September — with Walmart’s extensive online catalog and logistics network. The tool allows ChatGPT users to move seamlessly from conversation to transaction, an experience OpenAI describes as “agentic commerce,” where AI shifts from reactive to proactive — anticipating customer needs and completing tasks autonomously.

“We’re excited to partner with Walmart to make everyday purchases a little simpler,” said Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI. “It’s just one way AI will help people every day under our work together.”

Initially rolled out for Etsy sellers, Instant Checkout is now expanding to major retailers like Walmart, with Shopify merchants, including Skims and Glossier, slated to join soon. OpenAI earns transaction-based fees from participating companies, though financial details of the Walmart deal were not disclosed.

AI Across Walmart’s Global Operations

The ChatGPT integration is only one part of Walmart’s broader AI strategy. The retailer already uses artificial intelligence to power Sparky, its in-app shopping assistant, and to streamline operations across multiple fronts — from reducing fashion production timelines by up to 18 weeks to cutting customer service resolution times by 40%.

AI also enhances product cataloging, logistics, and demand forecasting, while enabling more personalized promotions and search results.

Walmart is extending AI beyond customers to its own workforce. The company recently became one of the first corporate partners to adopt OpenAI Certifications and is rolling out ChatGPT Enterprise across its teams, promoting AI literacy and empowering associates with advanced tools to work more efficiently.

Adapting to New Shopping Behaviors

The deal underscores Walmart’s effort to keep pace with evolving consumer behavior as more shoppers turn to AI chatbots and social platforms for product discovery. Analysts say conversational commerce could reshape online shopping by blending personalization, automation, and frictionless checkout into a single user experience.

Shares of Walmart rose nearly 5% Tuesday, hitting a new 52-week high, as investors welcomed the company’s move to position itself at the intersection of retail and AI technology.

People-Led, Tech-Powered

McMillon emphasized that Walmart’s vision for the “AI-first” future of retail is not about replacing human connection, but enhancing it.

“The future of retail isn’t about replacing people with machines,” he said. “It’s about using AI to remove friction and make everyday moments easier, smarter, and more delightful.”

With OpenAI’s technology integrated into its customer and employee ecosystem, Walmart aims to create a fully AI-enabled shopping experience — one that is faster, more intuitive, and deeply personalized from inspiration to delivery.