Meet “Sparky,” Walmart’s New AI Shopping Assistant
Walmart is taking a step into AI-powered commerce by partnering with OpenAI to let customers shop directly through ChatGPT. This partnership marks a shift from the traditional search-and-click shopping experience to conversational, personalized interactions.
Walmart shoppers and Sam’s Club members will soon be able to use ChatGPT’s Instant Checkout feature to buy products without leaving the chat. Customers can ask for things like “best 4K TVs under $300” or “gifts for sports fans,” and complete their purchase right there.
The feature covers nearly all product categories except fresh food. Walmart says this model enables shoppers to plan meals, restock essentials, or discover new products in a faster and more intuitive way.
Doug McMillon, President and CEO of Walmart, said this will make shopping “multi-media, personalized and contextual.” The goal is to remove friction from the online shopping process and make it feel more like a conversation than a transaction.
Instead of navigating multiple steps, customers can simply talk to the chatbot, get personalized recommendations, and check out instantly. Sparky, Walmart’s generative AI assistant, will play a key role in enhancing these conversations. The company views this as an evolution of how people discover and buy products online.
Walmart isn’t alone. Shopify partnered with OpenAI in September to help merchants sell directly within ChatGPT conversations. Amazon has also introduced its “Buy for Me” feature, which lets users make purchases from other retailers through its app.
These moves reflect a larger shift in eCommerce. Instead of relying on search bars, more retailers are integrating AI tools in conversations.
This partnership signals a future where shopping happens inside conversations, not just websites. As AI becomes more embedded in daily habits, this type of integration could set a new standard for retail.
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