OpenAI partners with Walmart to enable ChatGPT in-app shopping

OpenAI has partnered with Walmart to let shoppers purchase items directly within ChatGPT. This move positions the AI company to expand its chatbot beyond conversation, turning it into a virtual shopping assistant and potential revenue generator.

“Simply Chat and Buy”

Customers will soon be able to browse and purchase products by chatting with ChatGPT. The offering includes everything from meal ingredients and household items to other goods discussed during the conversation.

"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. "That is about to change."

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman added, "This partnership will make everyday purchases a little simpler."

The companies have not confirmed an exact launch date but said the service will be available "soon."

Expansion of OpenAI in E-Commerce

This partnership follows OpenAI’s recent integrations with Shopify and Etsy, enabling sellers to use ChatGPT for instant checkout. Working with Walmart, the nation’s largest retailer, represents a significant leap for OpenAI in the online commerce sector.

OpenAI has previously collaborated with payments company Stripe to facilitate its “Instant Checkout” system, which underpins these in-chat purchases.

Walmart’s AI Integration

Walmart has been steadily incorporating AI into its operations and customer services. The company highlighted its AI shopping assistant, Sparky, and other AI-powered initiatives at Walmart and Sam’s Club. Members of Sam’s Club will also be able to shop through ChatGPT once the service launches.

"AI is transforming everything we do, from smarter catalogs to faster delivery, and it only works if people trust it," said Daniel Danker, Walmart’s executive vice president of AI Acceleration, Product and Design.

Strategic Implications

The collaboration positions OpenAI to compete with e-commerce giants like Amazon and Google in digital shopping, potentially opening a new revenue stream for the company, which has relied heavily on investor funding so far.