Walmart Embraces AI Shopping Agents, Amazon Blocks Them

Walmart is rolling out AI agent shopping features, contrasting Amazon's approach to block the technology.

Walmart is introducing new technology that enables AI agents to make purchases on its website on behalf of customers. This initiative includes "agent profiles" and an "agent gateway" to manage transactions, set spending limits, and approve purchases. The features are set to launch in customer accounts next month, allowing users to authorize AI agents with dedicated profiles in their accounts and review agent purchases separately from their own. This move positions Walmart in direct contrast to Amazon, which has been blocking AI agents from shopping on its site.

Walmart's new system provides controls for customers, such as requiring approval for each transaction or authorizing purchases within a set spending limit. The company also states that its returns process will apply even if an agent does not act as intended. Additionally, agents will not be able to access customers' payment information and can only access necessary information for a given task. Agents that do not comply with Walmart's specified terms will be blocked from accessing the site.

This embrace of AI agent technology by Walmart differentiates it from other online businesses, including Amazon and various travel and booking sites that have responded to the growing adoption of AI agents by restricting their access. Walmart's strategy aims to prepare for a future where AI agents become mainstream, offering a controlled environment for agentic shopping.

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