Advertisement
When should a housing society in Mumbai start considering re...
From GST on JDAs to SEBI’s REIT reclassification and the S...
Stay ahead in the world of real estate with our daily podcas...
Stay ahead in the world of real estate with our daily podcas...
Google has announced plans to expand shopping features within its AI chatbot Gemini, turning it into a virtual shopping assistant and checkout platform. Partnering with retailers such as Walmart, Shopify, and Wayfair, Gemini will allow users to search for products, get personalised recommendations, and complete purchases without leaving the chat interface. Linked accounts will enable tailored suggestions based on past shopping behaviour, while instant checkout will support card payments and soon PayPal. The feature will launch initially in the US, with global rollout planned. The move highlights growing competition among tech and retail giants to use AI to simplify online shopping and reshape digital commerce experiences.
Google has announced plans to expand shopping capabilities within its AI chatbot, Gemini, by partnering with major retailers including Walmart, Shopify, Wayfair, and others. The move is aimed at transforming Gemini into both a virtual shopping assistant and a transaction platform. Advertisement
The announcement was made on the opening day of the National Retail Federation's annual convention in New York, which is expected to attract around 40,000 participants from the retail and technology sectors. Artificial intelligence and its growing role in e-commerce are key themes at the three-day event.
Under the new feature, Gemini users will be able to search for products, receive recommendations, and complete purchases without leaving the chatbot interface. Google and Walmart said an instant checkout option will allow customers to buy items from participating retailers using supported payment providers directly within the chat experience.
For example, if a user asks Gemini for recommendations for winter travel gear, the chatbot will display relevant products from retailer inventories. Walmart customers who link their Walmart and Gemini accounts will receive personalised suggestions based on previous purchases. Items selected through Gemini can also be added to existing Walmart or Sam's Club online shopping carts.
Initially, payments will be processed through cards linked to Google accounts. Google said support for PayPal will be added soon. The company noted that the AI-powered shopping features will first be available only in the United States, with plans for international expansion in the coming months.
The development comes amid growing competition among technology companies to integrate shopping into AI platforms. OpenAI and Walmart announced a similar partnership in October, enabling ChatGPT users to shop for most products available on Walmart's website through an instant checkout feature. Ahead of the recent holiday season, OpenAI also introduced in-app purchases from select retailers and Etsy sellers.
Amazon, Google, and OpenAI are all working to streamline the path from product discovery to purchase within a single digital interface, reducing the need for users to visit separate retail websites.
Salesforce estimates that artificial intelligence influenced USD 272 billion, or about 20 per cent, of global retail sales during the holiday shopping period, highlighting the growing commercial impact of AI-driven tools.
Retail leaders speaking at the convention said conversational shopping could change how consumers search and buy products online. Instead of typing keywords, users can interact through voice or text and refine choices through ongoing dialogue.
Alongside the AI shopping announcement, Walmart and Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai also revealed plans to expand Walmart's drone delivery service. In partnership with Wing, an Alphabet subsidiary, Walmart will add drone delivery to 150 more stores. This expansion will bring the total number of Walmart locations offering drone delivery with Wing to 270 by 2027, covering areas from Los Angeles to Miami.
The announcements reflect how retailers and technology firms are increasingly using AI and automation to reshape digital commerce, logistics, and customer engagement.
Source: PTI
5th Jun, 2025
25th May, 2023
11th May, 2023
27th Apr, 2023
Advertisement
Facebook
Whatsapp
