Walmart Taps OpenAI’s ChatGPT to Power New Conversational Shopping Experience
Walmart is integrating OpenAI’s ChatGPT into its shopping platform, aiming to revolutionize how customers browse and purchase goods. The retail giant announced the initiative, dubbed “Sparky,” will deliver a multi-media, personalized, and contextual AI experience for shoppers.
This move signals a meaningful shift in e-commerce, potentially transforming online shopping from a search-and-click process to a conversational one. While customary websites will remain, Walmart envisions a future where AI-powered conversations guide customers to the right products, answer questions, and streamline the checkout process – a development that could reshape the competitive landscape alongside established online storefronts like Amazon and Google.
“There is a native AI experience coming that is multi-media, personalized and contextual,” Walmart CEO Doug McMillon stated. “We are running towards that more enjoyable and convenient future with Sparky and through partnerships including this crucial step with OpenAI.”
The initial rollout will focus on experiments in conversational commerce, allowing customers to interact with an AI assistant to build shopping lists, find items, and complete purchases through natural language. Walmart believes this approach will enhance convenience and personalization, ultimately improving the overall shopping experience.
