Walmart, the largest retailer in the United States, is stepping up its game by introducing new updates to its app to enhance the shopping experience. In a bid to keep up with competitors like Amazon, Walmart has partnered with Microsoft to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into its app.
During the CES conference in Las Vegas, Walmart CEO Doug McMillon unveiled the exciting updates that will revolutionize the way customers shop. Instead of providing traditional search results, the Walmart app will now offer personalized product recommendations based on users’ specific needs and events. For instance, if you’re hosting a Super Bowl party, the app will show you everything you might need, from chips and wings to drinks and even a new television.
But that’s not all. Walmart is also incorporating AI technology into its InHome delivery service, which costs $19.95 a month. The new replenishment feature will monitor customers’ purchasing habits and automatically send replacement items or adjust orders accordingly. This ensures that customers never run out of essential items like milk.
In addition to AI-powered shopping recommendations, Walmart is also expanding its drone delivery program. After a successful pilot test in Dallas-Forth Worth, Texas, the program will now be available to 1.8 million households in the area. Approximately 90,000 out of the 120,000 items stocked in local Walmart Supercenters will be eligible for drone delivery.
Walmart has partnered with Wing, a delivery service provider, to fulfill its drone deliveries. To make the process even smarter, Wing plans to incorporate AI technology into its drones. This will enable the drones to make intelligent decisions about where to leave a package if the requested delivery spot is inaccessible.
As Walmart embraces these cutting-edge technologies, its competitors are not far behind. Amazon, for instance, has expanded the number of grocery stores from which customers can place delivery orders. Stores like Amazon Fresh, Bristol Farms, Cardenas Markets, Pet Food Express, Weis Markets, and Save Mart are now included in their delivery service.
With these advancements, shopping for essential items will become easier than ever. Walmart’s app, powered by AI, will provide personalized recommendations for various events and experiences, while their drone delivery service will bring convenience to millions of households. As the retail industry continues to evolve, it’s clear that technology is playing a key role in shaping the future of shopping.