In a landmark move that signals a new era in digital retail, Walmart has announced a strategic partnership with OpenAI to enable customers to shop directly through ChatGPT.
The integration, revealed on Tuesday, 14 October 2025, allows users to browse, select and purchase items from Walmart’s vast catalogue using natural language prompts within the ChatGPT interface.
The initiative marks a significant shift in consumer experience, blending conversational AI with e-commerce to create what Walmart calls an ‘AI-first shopping’ model. According to the company’s official statement, the feature will allow customers to complete purchases directly from ChatGPT after linking their Walmart accounts.
From Inspiration to Checkout
The new functionality enables users to search for products, plan meals, restock household essentials and discover new items—all through a chat-based interface.
Once a customer finds what they need, they can press a ‘buy’ button within ChatGPT to complete the transaction. The system supports both Walmart and Sam’s Club members, and will soon include third-party sellers as well.
‘Through AI-first shopping, the retail experience shifts from reactive to proactive as it learns, plans and predicts, helping customers anticipate their needs before they do,’ Walmart said in its announcement.
A New Frontier in Agentic Commerce
The collaboration is being hailed as a breakthrough in ‘agentic commerce’—a term used to describe AI systems that act on behalf of users to simplify decision-making and automate routine tasks. By integrating ChatGPT’s conversational capabilities with Walmart’s retail infrastructure, the companies aim to redefine how consumers interact with online shopping platforms.
TechCrunch reporter, Sarah Perez, noted that recent innovations in online retail aim to enhance every stage of the shopping experience, using intelligent tools to make the process from product discovery to checkout more seamless and personalised.
What You Can Buy
Initially, the feature will support a wide range of products, including groceries (excluding fresh food), household items, and various other goods. Users can ask ChatGPT for recommendations, compare prices, and even receive curated lists based on past purchases or seasonal trends.
Sam’s Club members will also benefit from enhanced planning tools, such as meal prep suggestions and automatic restocking of frequently used items. Walmart confirmed that support for third-party sellers will roll out later this autumn, expanding the scope of available products.
Privacy and Personalisation
The integration relies on users linking their Walmart accounts to ChatGPT, allowing the AI to access purchase history and preferences. While this raises questions about data privacy, Walmart emphasised that the system is designed to enhance personalisation without compromising user control.
The company has also committed to promoting AI literacy among its associates and improving customer care resolution times through machine learning tools already in use across its digital platforms.
Competitive Pressure in E-Commerce
The move is expected to intensify competition across the e-commerce and tech sectors, especially as more companies explore AI and conversational shopping tools.
Amazon is already testing generative AI assistants like Rufus and natural-language ‘Interests’ tools in its app. Meanwhile, Shopify has announced capabilities to enable merchants to sell directly in AI chat interfaces via its partnership with OpenAI.
According to TokenRing AI, Walmart’s partnership with OpenAI positions it at the forefront of retail innovation, offering ‘unparalleled convenience and personalised assistance’ that could reshape consumer expectations.
The Future of Conversational Commerce
As the Walmart ChatGPT integration rolls out nationwide, early adopters are already reporting transformed shopping experiences. The ability to buy from ChatGPT eliminates friction points that have plagued online shopping since its inception – no more forgotten passwords, abandoned carts, or confusing navigation.
The AI shopping assistant learns and improves with every interaction, becoming more helpful over time. Future updates will include fresh food ordering, prescription refills, and even integration with smart home devices. Imagine your refrigerator automatically reordering milk through ChatGPT shopping when supplies run low.
This conversational commerce revolution extends beyond convenience. For elderly users, those with disabilities, or anyone who finds traditional online shopping challenging, the Walmart online shopping AI interface provides unprecedented accessibility. Shopping becomes as simple as having a conversation.
What This Means for Retailers and Shoppers
The launch of Walmart ChatGPT shopping represents a watershed moment in retail history. Just as e-commerce disrupted brick-and-mortar stores, AI retail innovation now threatens to reshape online shopping entirely—retailers who fail to adopt conversational commerce risk becoming obsolete.
For shoppers, this OpenAI partnership delivers on the long-promised vision of knowledgeable shopping assistance. No more overwhelming choice paralysis or time wasted searching for products. The AI shopping assistant handles the complexity, letting you focus on decisions that matter.
As more users buy from ChatGPT and provide feedback, the system will evolve rapidly. Walmart has committed to continuous improvements, with new features launching monthly. The ChatGPT shopping experience of next year will make today’s version look primitive by comparison.
The retail revolution isn’t coming – it’s here. And it speaks your language.
Originally published on IBTimes UK
