Six years ago, independent technology analyst Ben Thompson, who authors the Stratechery newsletter, wrote, “Everyone in commerce is, whether they realize it or not, in the Anti-Amazon Alliance.” At the time, he was describing how retailers and tech companies were increasingly banding together to give merchants and shoppers ways to sell and buy online without relying entirely on Amazon.
Today, it also captures Walmart’s latest push into artificial intelligence, as the retailer leans into partnerships, while its biggest rival, Amazon, takes a more closed approach.
On Sunday, Walmart and Google announced a partnership that brings the retailer’s shopping experience inside Google’s AI assistant, Gemini. Customers will be able to search for products, assemble a basket and check out directly within the chat interface using Google Pay. The partnership, unveiled during a keynote speech at the National Retail Federation’s Big Show industry conference in New York at the Javits Center, will utilize Walmart’s and Sam’s Club’s product selections, pricing and delivery capabilities. The companies said the experience will initially roll out in the U.S., though a launch date was not shared, and then expand internationally.
Walmart says ‘open partnerships’ are central to its AI strategy