Walmart has unveiled a series of new AI-powered tools on its app and website aimed at making holiday shopping in stores easier and more fun. The new tools are personalized for every location and “spring to life” the moment a shopper steps inside a Walmart.
“The most wonderful time of the year should be joyful, and with the power of AI and technology, we’re making that possible,” said Tracy Poulliot, SVP of Shopping Experiences at Walmart U.S. in a statement. “Whether customers are holiday shopping in our stores or from the comfort of home, we’re giving them the tools to check off their lists quicker and easier than ever before. And they’re loving it — when they use the app while they shop in stores, they spend 25% more on average than on trips when they don’t use the app.”
Walmart Makes it Easier to Find Products and Savings in Stores
The new tools include:
- An in-store savings locator — according to Walmart, one of the most requested features by customers is the ability to see what items are on sale in their local store. The new In-Store Savings tool does just that, allowing shoppers to find savings in a single tap — including Black Friday deals, Rollbacks and clearance items. Customers filter items by category (for example, TVs on sale) and can also compare prices, all on one screen;
- Enhanced search and navigation — customers in stores can now search for items just as they would if they were shopping online and view in-stock availability right from the aisles of their local Walmart. When customers are in a store, the Walmart app will then also show the item’s location;
- Easy-to-shop wish lists — customers can create and save gift ideas for everyone on their list in the Walmart app. Then, when they’re in the store they can open the Walmart app to see their list sorted by aisle;
- AI-powered party planning — Walmart’s GenAI-powered digital assistant, Sparky, can now take the hassle out of hosting. Customers simply tell Sparky the occasion and it will instantly craft a curated list of everything needed, from decorations to champagne and confetti;
- AI-generated audio summaries of product details — to enhance purchase confidence, customers can ask for AI-generated summaries that synthesize product descriptions and reviews into short, digestible audio clips. The feature is currently available across more than 1,000 premium beauty products.
- 3D product visualization — AI-powered augmented reality tech transforms simple product photos into 3D images. Customers can then “Shop the Background” by clicking on items in the image to add them to their cart or view products they’re considering in different spaces with “Dynamic Showroom,” which allows them to test out décor in different settings and swap out furnishings to reach their desired aesthetic. For the holiday season, shoppers also will be able to access special holiday-themed Showrooms.
