Walmart Expands Generative AI Shopping Features
Today, the use of digital technologies has become a part of the retail industry
Walmart has announced a series of new technology experiments to make shopping “easier and more convenient” for customers
The tests are looking at generative AI-enabled shopping features, including an interior design assistant, a search tool and a voice-command shopping assistant
The generative AI-powered search feature is designed to make recommendations based on a customer’s purchasing needs, with the tool created to understand the context of a user’s search and generate relevant responses. For example, a user could search “unicorn-themed toddler birthday party,” with the tool understanding the sub-categories, rather than requiring separate searches for party decorations
This search feature can also “condense reviews into concise summaries” to help shoppers make more informed decisions
The retailer’s voice shopping capability allows customers to shop hands-free, using only voice commands to search for items and communicate with a virtual shopping assistant which can answer specific questions, offer personalized product suggestions and provide details on specific products
The plan builds on the success of Walmart’s Text to Shop which launched last year and allows customers to create a virtual shopping list where they can add items to their shopping carts from their phones