Here's why everyone in retail should take notice of Walmart's OpenAI e-commerce tie up
Last week, Walmart announced a new partnership with OpenAI that will start with allowing customers and members to soon shop with the US retail giant through ChatGPT using Instant Checkout.
“For many years now, e-commerce shopping experiences have consisted of a search bar and a long list of item responses. That is about to change. There is a native AI experience coming that is multi-media, personalised and contextual. We are running towards that more enjoyable and convenient future with Sparky and through partnerships including this important step with OpenAI,” says Doug McMillon, President and CEO at Walmart.
While AI is the fun new buzzword, everyone in the retail space should stand up and take notice of this, according to Kevin Gamble, Chief Digital Officer at Ikea.
In a LinkedIn post, he said: "Walmart follows in the OpenAI partnership footsteps of Shopify and Etsy, marking a huge shift in the retail and e-commerce space, potentially opening the door to even more hyperpersonalisation, better metrics and customisation. Even though ChatGPT only accounts for less than 1% of total traffic to Walmart, that number should increase exponentially over the coming year(s)."
"This? This is how you use AI. Better experience for customers, fewer clicks, integrated in to existing systems, driving top line sales."
2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS
AI was a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.
We received a record number of entries and many fantastic examples of the continued resilience and dynamism of the retail space during hugely challenging times.
For a full rundown of all of the shortlisted entries, click here.
Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC in Central London on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.
In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”
“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”
He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”
Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended our 2025 gathering.
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