Walmart has announced a strategic partnership with Google’s Gemini AI assistant, allowing customers to discover and purchase products directly through the chatbot interface. The collaboration was unveiled by incoming Walmart CEO John Furner and Google CEO Sundar Pichai at the National Retail Federation’s Big Show in New York on January 12, 2026. While the companies have not disclosed specific launch dates or financial details, the feature will initially roll out across the United States before expanding internationally.
The Next Evolution in Retail Commerce
This partnership represents Walmart’s latest move in the competitive landscape of AI-driven commerce. The retail giant previously partnered with OpenAI’s ChatGPT in October, introducing “Instant Checkout,” which enables customers to complete purchases without leaving the chat platform. Additionally, Walmart developed its own AI shopping assistant, a yellow smiley-faced chatbot named Sparky. Furner emphasized that “the transition from traditional web or app search to agent-led commerce represents the next great evolution in retail,” signaling the company’s commitment to transforming how Americans shop online.
AI’s Transformative Impact on Retail
Outgoing CEO Doug McMillon has consistently highlighted the transformative nature of artificial intelligence at the company, stating that AI “is going to change literally every job” at America’s largest private employer. As major retailers race to control online shopping experiences, this Walmart-Google partnership demonstrates the industry’s pivot toward conversational commerce and AI-assisted purchasing. The integration of Gemini into Walmart’s ecosystem positions the retailer to capitalize on the growing trend of AI-powered consumer interactions, fundamentally reshaping the future of e-commerce.