Walmart says 'open partnerships' are central to its AI strategy, while Amazon goes it alone

"On Sunday, Walmart and Google announced a partnership that brings the retailer's shopping experience inside Google's AI assistant, Gemini. Customers will be able to search for products, assemble a basket and check out directly within the chat interface using Google Pay. The partnership, unveiled during a keynote speech at the National Retail Federation's Big Show industry conference in New York at the Javits Center, will utilize Walmart's and Sam's Club's product selections, pricing and delivery capabilities."

"In a separate NRF panel moderated by CNBC's Jon Fortt, Walmart Executive Vice President and U.S. Chief Technology Officer Hari Vasudev said collaboration was a key part of the company's approach to AI. "That approach of open partnerships is something that we strongly believe in," Vasudev said. "What you're able to do very effectively is serve the customer the best, so we are always going to be very open to partnering.""

"By partnering with Google, Walmart is building on earlier efforts to prepare for a future in which customers will increasingly use AI chatbots to make purchases. In October, Walmart inked a partnership with Gemini competitor OpenAI to let shoppers buy products directly inside ChatGPT. Walmart has also developed four of its own "super agents," including the consumer-facing AI chatbot called Sparky, to deepen its AI push, according to the company."

Walmart and Google formed a partnership to bring Walmart's shopping experience into Google's AI assistant, Gemini. Customers can search for products, assemble a basket and check out directly within the Gemini chat interface using Google Pay. The integration will use Walmart's and Sam's Club's product selections, pricing and delivery capabilities and will launch initially in the U.S. with plans to expand internationally. Walmart previously partnered with OpenAI to enable purchases inside ChatGPT and developed four "super agents," including the consumer-facing chatbot Sparky. Walmart emphasizes open partnerships to scale its AI commerce strategy, contrasting with Amazon's in-house approach.

Read at Digiday