Shop, talk: Walmart partners with OpenAI to enable ChatGPT conversational purchases

Walmart has partnered with OpenAI to integrate ChatGPT into its shopping experience, allowing customers to purchase items through AI-powered conversations. The collaboration represents a significant shift from traditional search-and-browse e-commerce toward conversational shopping, as America’s largest retailer seeks to leverage artificial intelligence to streamline customer interactions and reduce purchase friction.

What you should know: Walmart is deploying ChatGPT technology to create a more seamless shopping experience that moves beyond conventional search bars and product lists.

• The partnership will enable customers to buy items through OpenAI’s chatbot services, though Walmart has not specified an exact launch date beyond “soon.”
• CEO Doug McMillon emphasized that “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.”

The big picture: This partnership positions Walmart alongside other major retailers embracing conversational AI for commerce, following similar deals OpenAI has established with Shopify and Etsy.

• OpenAI recently released GPT-5, its most advanced AI iteration, providing the technological foundation for these retail integrations.
• Walmart is already deploying AI tools across its operations for inventory management, scheduling, and other internal tasks as part of a broader artificial intelligence integration strategy.

What’s coming next: McMillon described plans for a “native AI experience” that will be “multi-media, personalized and contextual” for shoppers.

• The full terms of the Walmart-OpenAI agreement remain undisclosed, leaving questions about implementation scope and timeline.
• Arkansas-based Walmart emphasized that the initiative focuses on “using AI to remove friction and make everyday moments easier, smarter and more delightful” rather than replacing human connections.

What they’re saying: Leadership from both companies expressed enthusiasm about simplifying the shopping process.

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

The broader context: Economic experts remain divided on AI’s overall impact, with general consensus suggesting artificial intelligence will ultimately increase inequality and reduce available jobs in the U.S. market.