(Bloomberg) — Walmart Inc. is partnering with Alphabet Inc. to offer artificial intelligence-enhanced shopping on Google’s Gemini platform — part of the retailer’s race to apply the technology across its operations.
Customers will be able to purchase items in Gemini’s browser or mobile app in the coming months, David Guggina, Walmart’s U.S. e-commerce director, said in an interview. The selection will include apparel, consumer products, entertainment items and food that are already available at Walmart and Sam’s Club, he said. Customers will be able to set up a shopping cart and purchase items directly from Gemini, with Walmart handling orders.
“We are moving beyond the era of the search bar,” Guggina said. “We’re not just meeting people where they shop, we’re anticipating how they live.”
Customers will be able to ask Gemini for tips and suggestions, such as which running shoes are the most recommended. Gemini will respond with product suggestions, including those sold at Walmart and Sam’s Club, if applicable, that can be purchased directly.
Non-purchase inquiries may also include product recommendations. Gemini will measure people’s purchasing intent — for example, a query about how to remove a wine stain from a carpet might lead to links to related products sold at Walmart.
Fresh produce, frozen produce and market items will not be included in the initial offering, although the variety will increase over time.
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Artificial intelligence is infiltrating consumers’ shopping habits, with people increasingly using the technology to research products or compare deals. Brands and retailers are creating new partnerships to capitalize on this — Walmart is also working with OpenAI.
That deal, which allows customers to purchase items through ChatGPT, is still in its “early stages,” Guggina said. He added that the retailer aims to make shopping experiences simpler, personalized and anticipatory through artificial intelligence.
Other retail companies are forming their own partnerships. Target Corp. is working with OpenAI to improve the shopping experience and assist employees, with the goal of “integrating AI across the enterprise.”
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The Bentonville, Arkansas-based company has gained market share over the past year and has benefited from its scale as consumers seek out deals. It is committed to incorporating AI into everything from supply chain management to the shopping experience.
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