Prime Highlights:
- Walmart partners with Google to simplify product discovery and online shopping for customers.
- Sparky, Walmart’s in-app assistant, continues to help shoppers find products and compare options efficiently.
Key Facts:
- The new feature will launch first in the U.S., with plans to expand internationally.
- Walmart is adapting to changing shopping habits by reaching customers earlier and across more digital platforms.
Background:
Walmart partners with Google to make online shopping faster and easier.
The collaboration will allow shoppers to use Google’s AI assistant, Gemini, to search for and buy products from Walmart and its warehouse club, Sam’s Club. The service is expected to launch first in the United States before expanding to other international markets. No timeline or financial details were disclosed.
The announcement was made on stage at the National Retail Federation’s Big Show in New York City by incoming Walmart Chief Executive Officer John Furner and Google Chief Executive Officer Sundar Pichai. The annual event brings together leaders from the global retail and technology industries.
The deal adds to Walmart’s continued investment in digital technology. In October, the company partnered with OpenAI to enable purchases through ChatGPT using an “Instant Checkout” feature, allowing users to complete transactions without leaving the chatbot. That service is also used by other retailers, including Etsy and several Shopify merchants.
Speaking at the event, Furner said the company is focused on making it easier for customers to move from finding a product to owning it, while rethinking how people shop across Walmart’s platforms. Pichai described the partnership as an important step in making AI more useful in everyday shopping experiences.
As the largest private employer in the United States, Walmart has said that new technology will change how work is done across the company. Executives expect it to improve roles, productivity, and customer service.
The partnership highlights Walmart’s efforts to stay competitive as retail embraces modern digital tools.
