Walmart is expanding its collaboration with OpenAI through a new partnership that will allow customers to purchase products directly within ChatGPT. The upcoming feature, called Instant Checkout, represents a major leap in the integration of artificial intelligence and retail, allowing consumers to complete their shopping experience without ever leaving the chat interface.
According to both companies, the feature will be available to Walmart customers “soon,” marking another milestone in how AI is reshaping e-commerce. The partnership underscores Walmart’s continued investment in AI-driven innovation to enhance convenience, efficiency, and personalization in the shopping process.
Reimagining the Shopping Experience
“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 Walmart CEO Doug McMillon. “There is a native AI experience coming that is multimedia, personalized, and contextual.”
The new Instant Checkout feature within ChatGPT will let customers search, select, and purchase Walmart products through a conversational interface. This evolution moves beyond traditional search-based online shopping, blending the convenience of chat-based interactions with direct purchasing capabilities.
The partnership reflects a broader industry trend in which AI assistants are becoming transactional platforms. By embedding commerce functionality into ChatGPT, Walmart and OpenAI aim to make online shopping faster, smarter, and more intuitive for millions of users.
AI Across Walmart’s Operations
Walmart has been investing in artificial intelligence for over seven years, applying it across multiple areas of its business. The retailer uses AI to streamline logistics, manage inventory, and improve customer service. Its voice-based assistant, “Ask Sam”, already automates daily tasks for store associates and enhances operational efficiency in both Walmart and Sam’s Club locations.
McMillon emphasized that AI is transforming every level of the workforce. During a recent conference at the company’s Bentonville headquarters, he stated that artificial intelligence is “going to change literally every job.” While the technology may eliminate some positions, Walmart believes it will also create new opportunities and skill-based roles.
Preparing for the Future Workforce
In September, Walmart announced an AI training initiative with OpenAI to equip its frontline and corporate employees with skills for “the jobs of tomorrow.” The company views workforce education as critical to adapting to the fast-changing landscape of retail technology.
“Walmart has a history of getting stronger in moments of change, and with AI, we’re not waiting around – we’re leaning in to make it work for our customers, associates, and partners,” a Walmart spokesperson told FOX Business.
The AI Infrastructure Race
The collaboration comes at a time when companies such as OpenAI and Nvidia are rapidly scaling up their computing power, storage, and networking infrastructure to handle the growing demands of generative AI. As models like ChatGPT continue to evolve, the race to deliver faster, more energy-efficient, and scalable AI systems is intensifying.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has emphasized the need for strong hardware and software integration to sustain AI’s rapid development. The Walmart partnership represents another example of how AI’s capabilities are being extended from digital environments into real-world consumer experiences.
Conclusion
The Walmart–OpenAI partnership signals a new era in AI-driven retail. By allowing customers to shop directly through ChatGPT, Walmart is positioning itself at the forefront of a revolution in how consumers discover and purchase products. As Instant Checkout prepares to launch, it highlights how conversational AI is no longer just about answering questions — it’s about transforming how people buy, work, and interact with technology.