Walmart shares (WMT) soared nearly 5% on Tuesday to a record closing high of $107.21 after the retailer declared a new partnership with OpenAI, the developer of ChatGPT. The tie-up will make online shopping faster and more interactive by allowing customers to shop directly on ChatGPT’s platform.
Shopping through ChatGPT
In a statement, Walmart revealed that its customers would be able to navigate, select, and buy products inside ChatGPT soon using the Instant Checkout option. The integration would enable consumers to find products and shop without ever leaving the chat screen.
Moreover, search boxes on Walmart.com and Sam’s Club’s website will become more conversational with the use of ChatGPT technology. Shoppers can simply type in, say, “What’s a good $20-or-less dinner idea?” or “Give me the best sales on kids’ sneakers,” and receive custom recommendations in real time.
For several years now, online shopping through eCommerce has presented itself as a search box and a long list of product results. That will no longer be the case,” Walmart CEO Doug McMillon said in a press release. “There is going to be a native AI experience that is multimedia, personalised and contextual.”
Walmart’s push toward aI
The massive retailer didn’t disclose the deal’s terms, but the purchase is a continuation of its growing artificial intelligence programme. McMillon said Walmart is charging full steam into a “more enjoyable and convenient future” using technologies such as its AI-powered shopping companion Sparky and partnerships like this one.
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Walmart has been continually streamlining its e-commerce and delivery operations, with online sales profitability rising during the second quarter of 2025 following its first profitability in the previous quarter.
OpenAI sees expansion
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said his company was “thrilled” to be working with Walmart and helping “make everyday transactions a little easier.”
OpenAI has been striking deals with many companies this year, extending beyond its roots in chat technology AI. The company has signed deals with leading chipmakers and computer hardware makers, including Nvidia, AMD, Microsoft, Google, and Broadcom, and cloud vendors Amazon and Oracle.
Beyond tech: E-commerce and media deals
Here is something important you should know: OpenAI’s partnerships have also spread into apps, media, and retail platforms. The company is piloting integrations with Etsy, Shopify, and Booking.com, giving users the ability to search and buy products or book travel through ChatGPT.
It has also inked media licensing agreements with publishers such as The Financial Times, Vox Media, and News Corp that enable OpenAI to license content to train and improve its models.
Other notable collaborations are agreements with Salesforce, Mattel, DoorDash, and Instacart, all of which are aimed at embedding AI tools directly into business and consumer workflows.
Analysts see big potential
According to UBS analyst Michael Lasser, the partnership of Walmart with OpenAI would “present meaningful opportunities” given the enormous and growing user base of ChatGPT. To date, through September 2025, the platform has had around 700 million weekly active users worldwide.
“Once again, Walmart is at the forefront of embracing new technology to stay current with changing consumer trends,” said Lasser in a client note.
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What it means for shoppers
This partnership may revolutionise how Americans shop online. Instead of sifting through pages of products, shoppers may soon be employing AI-powered chatbots to find what they need in mere seconds.
For Walmart, it’s simply another step in a battle with Amazon and other online retailers to offer smarter, more intuitive shopping experiences. For OpenAI, it’s a sign that its tech is becoming integrated into the daily economy—where the shopper lives, shops, and makes decisions.
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