Walmart's deal with Google allows the commerce giant keep up with customers using chatbots to save time or look for inspiration.

It was a matter of time before the large language model (LLM) chatbots we have come to call “AI” became vehicles for integrated advertising.

Walmart stock was gaining Monday with two developments underlining the retailer’s transformation from big-box store chain to e-commerce giant.

Shares of Walmart surged into record territory in early Monday trading as the retail behemoth’s latest moves highlight its focus on technology to drive sales.

Walmart partners with Google Gemini for AI shopping. Seamless checkout within the chatbot launches soon in the US.

Stacey Widlitz, President at SW Retail Advisors, says AI is reshaping retail as Walmart and Amazon lead adoption, shopping agents threaten discovery and impulse buys, and smaller brands struggle to keep up with technology-driven shifts.

The retail giant said a new Gemini integration reflects a broader shift from search-based shopping to AI systems that can act on a customer’s behalf.

Google CEO Sundar Pichai says AI agents will shape the future of shopping as Walmart expands drone delivery through its partnership with Wing.