Walmart has rolled out a new platform that aims to boost personalised shopping experiences and services through generative AI (genAI) and artificial intelligence (AI).

The new Content Decision Platform, which is already available in selected areas of Walmart.com, uses AI to predict customer behaviour and genAI to provide information and content customers would prefer to see on the site, aiming to create a unique homepage exclusively designed for each shopper.

Walmart is planning to fully launch the platform in the US next year, with the retailer seeking to extend the experience for customers by implementing the technology in physical stores, including Walmart International’s Canadian and Mexican markets.

The move aligns with Walmart’s plans to scale AI, genAI, augmented reality and iImmersive experiences across Walmart stores, Sam’s Clubs, apps and other virtual environments, as the retailer seeks to accelerate the integration of Adaptive Retail across its channels.

Adaptive retail is a new approach which Walmart describes as an evolved form of retail that brings shopping to the customer in exactly the way they want and need. It uses advanced technology to facilitate hyper personalisation, smart shopping, and phygital stores.

The firm has also developed an AR technology called Retina. The platform can create 3D solutions that aim to expand Walmart’s shopping experience into new virtual social environments.

Retina also powers ten AR experiences in Walmart US and Sam's Club.

Walmart said these shops have registered an increase in customer and member adoption, reduced return rates and improved conversion rates.

The retailer said it is planning to expand Retina’s interactive experience offerings to enable customers and members to access item information while it’s shown in 3D.

Walmart added it is also working on developing headset-based experiences that will allow customers and members to visualise furniture in an inspirational setting.

Suresh Kumar, Walmart’s global chief technology officer and chief development officer said the company is seeking to use technology that adapts to customers’ individual preferences and needs.

“At the heart of our platform strategy is developing common global core capabilities that are built once and deployed across Walmart U.S., Sam’s Club and Walmart International,” he said. “As a global company with multiple business segments, this enables us to move with speed as we bring consistent experiences to all our customers and members.”

Earlier this month, Walmart announced it had initiated one of the largest 3D- printed commercial real estate projects in the US in Athens, Tennessee.
The nearly 8,000-square-foot, 20-foot-high expansion was designed in partnership with 3D printing and robotics specialist Alquist 3D.

---