Walmart Unveils Strategy for Accelerating “Adaptive Retail” with AI, AR, and Immersive Commerce

Walmart Unveils Strategy to Accelerate “Adaptive Retail” with AI, AR, and Immersive Commerce

Walmart has announced its plan to enhance deeply personalised shopping experiences through its “Adaptive Retail” strategy. The retail giant is leveraging proprietary Artificial Intelligence (AI), Generative AI (GenAI), Augmented Reality (AR), and Immersive Commerce platforms to elevate convenience and customer engagement across Walmart stores, Sam’s Clubs, apps, and virtual environments.

Suresh Kumar, global chief technology officer and chief development officer at Walmart, stated, “A standard search bar is no longer the fastest path to purchase, rather we must use technology to adapt to customers’ individual preferences and needs.” Walmart is focusing on developing common global core capabilities that can be deployed across Walmart US, Sam’s Club, and Walmart International.

One of the key components of Walmart’s strategy is Wallaby, a retail-specific AI system powered by GenAI technology. Wallaby, a series of retail-specific Large Language Models (LLMs), is trained with decades of Walmart data to create highly contextual responses aligned with Walmart’s core values. This AI will be the foundation of Walmart’s future customer-facing experiences.

In addition to Wallaby, Walmart is enhancing its AI-powered Customer Support Assistant to provide more personalised service, such as recognising returning customers and expediting processes like returns. The company is actively developing numerous GenAI tools for customers, members, associates, and partners to enhance their overall experience.

Walmart has also introduced a Content Decision Platform that uses AI-based technology to tailor shopping experiences to individual customers. This platform, in alignment with Walmart’s Responsible AI Pledge, is already in use on Walmart.com and will be fully personalised for US customers next year, with plans to expand to Canada and Mexico.

Furthermore, Walmart is venturing into Immersive Commerce and AR to connect with tech-savvy customers. The company’s AR platform, Retina, utilises AI, GenAI, and automation to create 3D assets and Immersive Commerce APIs for virtual shopping experiences. Walmart is testing these technologies with partners like Unity and ZEPETO to offer immersive shopping experiences in virtual environments like Roblox.

As Walmart continues to innovate with AI, AR, and Immersive Commerce, the future of retail looks promising. Kumar emphasised, “Being people-led means we start with the human need, and often, a combination of technologies like AI, GenAI, AR, and Immersive Commerce is key to the solution. Our customers guide us, and with these platforms, we’re ready for whatever they need.”

With Walmart’s commitment to enhancing customer experiences through cutting-edge technology, the retail landscape is set to evolve with personalised, immersive, and engaging shopping experiences.