Will Walmart’s AI Tools Spur In-Store Shopping?

Noting that in-store shoppers already using an app spend 25% more on trips, Walmart is hoping to increase that figure with the roll out of six AI-enabled shopping tools.

The tools now available via Walmart’s app include:

• In-Store Savings tool: Allows in-store shoppers to “find savings in a single tap,” including Black Friday deals, rollbacks, and clearance items. Walmart said in a press release, “Customers can even filter items by category (for example, TVs on and easily 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 online shopping,” including viewing in-stock availability. The app then shows the item’s location in the store.
• Wish list integration: Customers, through the app, can create, save, and shop wish lists that, with a tap, are automatically sorted by aisle for a seamless in-store experience. Walmart said, “With a tap, their list is sorted by aisle, turning the trip into a quick, easy, and joyfully organized shopping experience.”
• AI-powered party planning: Walmart’s gen AI-powered digital assistant, Sparky, has a new enhancement that supports people hosting parties or events. Walmart said, “Just tell Sparky the occasion, and it instantly crafts a curated list of everything customers need — from decorations to champagne and confetti.”
• AI-generated Audio Summaries: New AI-generated summaries “synthesize product descriptions and reviews into short, digestible audio clips — helping customers confidently purchase gifts on the go.” The feature is available across more than 1,000 premium beauty products.
• Interactive 3D showrooms: With AI-powered augmented reality tech, in-store shoppers “can step into designed spaces instead of scrolling through endless pages of home decor.” AI reworks product photos into 3D images. A Shop the Background feature lets shoppers click on items in product images — like artwork or accent chairs — to add them directly to their carts. A Dynamic Showroom feature allows customers to “view different spaces — from cozy, guest-ready bedrooms to moody dining rooms — then swap out furnishings to match their preferences.”

“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, Shopping Experiences, Walmart U.S.

“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,” Poulliot added.

The Spar 2025 Shopper Insights Survey found 40% of U.S. adults use their mobile device every time, or most of the time, when shopping in-store. The top technology used to encourage in-store shopping: coupons downloadable to their phone or frequent shopper card/loyalty program, 51%; self-checkout, 50%; scan and go shopping technology (use phone to scan and checkout), 29%; payment via smartphone, 27%; Wi-Fi, 25%; store mapping/aisle guidance, 22%; online circular, 21%; and retailer app availability, 18%.