Walmart and Google are banking on AI-powered assistants to transform the online shopping experience

Walmart and Google Partner to Bring AI Shopping to Gemini

Walmart and Google have unveiled a collaboration that will embed AI-powered shopping features directly within Google’s Gemini assistant, marking a significant step toward a future where autonomous “agentic” systems play a central role in retail, moving away from conventional search-based shopping.

According to a press release from Walmart, this new integration will allow users to browse and purchase products from Walmart and Sam’s Club seamlessly through Gemini, Google’s leading AI platform. The technology is designed to suggest relevant items during conversations, offer recommendations for related products, and connect orders to Walmart’s established delivery and membership services.

Walmart described this initiative as part of a broader transformation in how people shop. John Furner, president and CEO of Walmart U.S. and soon-to-be CEO of Walmart Inc., stated that shifting from traditional search-and-click methods to AI-driven commerce is the next major leap for the retail industry. He emphasized that Walmart aims to use AI to help customers move effortlessly from inspiration to purchase.

Echoing this sentiment, Google CEO Sundar Pichai highlighted that artificial intelligence can enhance the entire shopping experience, from product discovery to final delivery. He noted that customers will soon be able to access Walmart’s offerings directly within Gemini.

Walmart indicated that this new shopping experience will debut in the United States, with plans to expand internationally in the future.

In an additional explainer on its website, Walmart elaborated on its long-term vision for “agentic commerce.” The company sees the future of shopping evolving from simple keyword searches to intelligent systems that can understand customer intent and act on their behalf.

Walmart shared that it has been working toward this model for nearly ten years. Recently, the company introduced a framework featuring four internal “super agents” designed to support customers, employees, partners, and developers, along with integrations with external AI platforms like Gemini and ChatGPT.

One example of this technology already in use is Sparky, Walmart’s in-app shopping assistant. Sparky helps users find and compare products, organize events, and receive tailored suggestions, while other AI agents manage tasks such as customer service, inventory management, and supply chain operations behind the scenes.

Walmart also noted that agentic systems are now deeply integrated across its business, from automating merchant data processes to accelerating fashion production and streamlining delivery logistics. The company believes these technologies are moving beyond pilot programs and are now being implemented at scale in real-world scenarios.