WALMART AND GOOGLE TO ENABLE DIRECT PURCHASES THROUGH GEMINI AI

Walmart is partnering with Alphabet to enable direct purchases through Google’s Gemini AI platform. In the coming months, customers will be able to buy select Walmart and Sam’s Club products directly within Gemini’s browser or mobile app.

David Guggina, Walmart’s chief e-commerce officer for the US, confirmed the integration in a Bloomberg interview. The initial assortment will cover apparel, consumables, entertainment, and food items. Customers can build a shopping basket inside Gemini, with Walmart fulfilling all orders.

The integration goes beyond simple search. Users can ask Gemini for product recommendations—such as the best-rated running shoes—and add relevant Walmart items directly to their cart. Even non-shopping queries can trigger purchase options; a question about removing a wine stain from a rug may surface links to Walmart stain removers if intent is detected.

Fresh, frozen, and third-party marketplace items will not be included at launch, though the selection will expand over time.

Walmart is also testing a similar integration with OpenAI’s ChatGPT, which Guggina described as still in early stages. The retailer’s broader goal is to use AI to make shopping simpler and more personalized.

Competitors are moving in parallel. Target is working with OpenAI to integrate AI across its operations, including customer-facing features and internal tools.

Walmart gained US market share last year as consumers prioritized value amid persistent inflation. The company is now deploying AI across supply chain, inventory management, and customer experience to maintain that momentum.