The retail industry is entering a new phase as Walmart and Google roll out an AI-powered shopping experience through Gemini in the United States.
The partnership turns Gemini from a simple chatbot into a full-service shopping assistant. Users can now discover products, receive personalised recommendations, manage carts, and complete purchases within a single conversation.
Google aims to position Gemini as a digital salesperson rather than a basic search tool. Through integrations with major retailers, including Walmart, users can browse real-time inventories and receive tailored product suggestions.
When a shopper asks Gemini what they need for a specific activity, the AI scans partner inventories and suggests relevant items. The system adapts results based on preferences, context, and availability.
Users who link their Google and Walmart accounts unlock deeper personalisation. Gemini then factors in past purchases and shopping behaviour to refine recommendations.
GOOGLE GEMINI: Google is expanding shopping features in its Gemini AI chatbot, partnering with Walmart, Shopify, Wayfair, and other major retailers.
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— NEWSMAX (@NEWSMAX) January 12, 2026Selected items can be added directly to an existing Walmart or Sam’s Club cart without switching platforms.
The most significant update is instant checkout. Shoppers can now complete purchases inside Gemini instead of visiting external websites.
Payments currently support cards linked to a Google account. Walmart has confirmed that PayPal integration will follow soon. Executives say the goal is to reduce friction and shorten the path from product discovery to ownership.
The announcement came during the National Retail Federation’s annual convention in New York, underscoring the growing role of AI in commerce.
According to Salesforce, artificial intelligence influenced around 20 per cent of global retail sales during the last holiday season. That figure equals roughly $272 billion in purchases.
With Gemini’s new shopping features, Walmart and Google aim to capture more of that demand by making online buying faster, smarter, and more personal.
