Walmart Adds AI-Powered In-Store Search, Shopping List and Party Planner

Core Insights - Walmart has introduced new AI tools aimed at enhancing the holiday shopping experience for customers [1][2] Group 1: New Features - The Walmart app now includes an In-Store Savings feature that shows items on sale at specific locations, an enhanced search feature for in-store stock availability, and a shopping list feature that organizes items by aisle [2][4] - The AI-powered digital assistant, Sparky, can now assist users in planning parties by generating curated lists of necessary items based on the occasion [3] - Additional features include AI-generated audio clips summarizing premium beauty product descriptions, a Shop the Background feature for adding items from images to the cart, and a Dynamic Showroom feature for visualizing different room setups with selected furnishings [4] Group 2: Customer Engagement and Spending - Walmart's senior vice president, Tracy Poulliot, noted that customers using the app while shopping in stores tend to spend 25% more on average compared to those who do not use the app [5] - A PYMNTS survey indicated that 32% of respondents have used or are willing to use generative AI for shopping, highlighting a growing trend in AI adoption among consumers [6] Group 3: Future Developments - Walmart CEO Doug McMillon emphasized the importance of AI in the company's strategy, stating that as Sparky evolves, it will become smarter and more personalized, serving as a primary tool for discovery, shopping, and managing orders and returns [7]