Walmart Shuts Down OpenAI Checkout Over Poor Performance
Walmart has ended its agentic commerce partnership with OpenAI's ChatGPT Instant Checkout feature after conversion rates fell roughly three times below its own platform. The retailer found that chat-based transactions created friction through limited product selection, outdated inventory information, and unfamiliar payment flows that discouraged customer purchases. Walmart's executive vice president noted the experience was unsatisfying, particularly for high-consideration items like televisions that require bundling and accessory recommendations. The shift signals early challenges for AI-driven shopping models and reflects retailer concerns about ceding transaction control to external platforms.
