Walmart could roll out AI-enhanced shopping changes to improve experience

Suresh Kumar, chief technology officer at Walmart unveiled his vision for a new retail reality - what he calls, "Adaptive Retail" - earlier this year .

With the concept of Adaptive Retail, Walmart plans to blend the best facets of online shopping with traditional stores.

This mix would allow customers to have the convenience and personalisation of e-commerce whilst enjoying the physical store benefits like fitting rooms or interacting with customer service at home.

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Kumar, in association with other Walmart leaders, surveyed over 2,200 Americans about their shopping habits and preferences via Morning Consult.

The survey showed a swing towards social media for shopping and use of virtual assistants. Also sparking interest were advanced in-store technologies such as mobile payment options and augmented reality.

Significant patterns emerged, indicating a trend in social media's influence on consumer purchases, particular with Gen Z shoppers, Fortune reports.

More notably, respondents expressed a desire for individualized product suggestions that address their specific body shapes or living environments, signifying a shift towards more personalised shopping experiences.

Walmart has been actively integrating these modern technological developments to meet the changing expectations of consumers.

For example, they've launched an AI-powered virtual assistant to help customers make informed buying decisions, particularly when planning events or purchasing gifts.

The company has also branched out into services like virtual try-ons and home deliveries, acknowledging the need to adapt to their customers' evolving preferences.

Walmart's recognition of machine learning and artificial intelligence as key in efficiently managing the flow of goods from production to customers' homes is noteworthy.

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By utilizing these technologies, Walmart aims to provide smooth and personalized shopping experiences across all points of contact, including stores, online platforms, and innovative delivery services.

In response to changing consumer behaviors and tastes, Walmart continues to innovate in areas such as partnerships with social media influencers and personalized product offerings.

With a focus on leveraging data insights and technological advancements, Walmart is aiming to lead the way in transforming how people discover and buy products.

Looking forward, Kumar predicts a significant evolution in the retail landscape over the next few years, driven by advancements in technology, personalized customer experiences, and streamlined shopping processes.