Walmart and Google bet on AI agents to reshape how people shop online

Walmart (WMT) and Google announced plans to integrate AI-driven shopping directly into Google’s Gemini assistant, signaling a deeper push toward a future built around autonomous “agentic” systems, rather than traditional search.

In a press release issued on Sunday, Walmart announced that the new experience will enable customers to discover and purchase Walmart and Sam’s Club products directly within Gemini, Google’s flagship AI model. The system is designed to surface relevant items during conversations, recommend complementary products and connect purchases to Walmart’s existing delivery and membership infrastructure, according to the statement.

Walmart framed the partnership as part of a broader shift away from search-and-click shopping. “The transition from traditional web or app search to agent-led commerce represents the next great evolution in retail,” John Furner, president and CEO of Walmart U.S. and incoming CEO of Walmart Inc., said in the release. Furner said the company wants AI systems to help customers move from inspiration to purchase more seamlessly.

Google CEO Sundar Pichai echoed that framing, saying in the statement that AI can improve the consumer journey “from discovery to delivery.” Pichai said customers will soon be able to experience Walmart’s offerings directly inside Gemini.

The experience is expected to launch first in the U.S., with international expansion planned later, Walmart said.

In a separate explainer published on its website, Walmart provided additional context for the announcement, describing the move as part of a long-term strategy centered on “agentic commerce.” According to the post, the retailer views shopping as evolving from keyword searches into systems that understand user intent and can take action on their behalf.

Walmart said it has been building toward that model for nearly a decade. The company said it recently introduced a framework built around four internal “super agents” designed to serve customers, associates, partners and developers, alongside integrations with external AI platforms such as Gemini and ChatGPT.

The retailer pointed to its in-app shopping assistant, Sparky, as an early example of agentic technology already in use. According to Walmart, Sparky helps customers find and compare products, plan events, and receive personalized recommendations, while behind-the-scenes agents handle tasks such as customer support, inventory planning and supply chain coordination.

Walmart also mentioned that agentic systems are increasingly embedded across its operations, from automating merchant data tasks to shortening fashion production timelines and optimizing delivery logistics. The company argued that these systems are moving beyond experimentation into real-world deployment at scale.