U.S. retail giant Walmart (WMT) has continued its AI drive with the roll-out of new AI tools for store staff. Investors liked the move with its stock price up 0.4% in early trading.
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Setting the Pace
Walmart has claimed to be one of the first retailers to put ‘enterprise-grade ChatGPT’ tools directly in the hands of its frontline staff at its Sam’s Club arm.
“Every Sam’s Club has its own rhythm. Sales trends shift, member needs change and opportunities pop up that no report can predict. Our managers live this reality every day, and now they have a new way to set the pace and stay ahead,” Walmart said in a statement.
Staff can use these tools for a range of purposes from flagging local products and connecting businesses directly with merchants, or using AI to spot a pattern in seasonal sales allowing bosses to adjust staffing and promotions before the shopper rush hits.
“It’s a move that changes how decisions are made, moving insights out of the back office and bringing them to the club floor, where associates and members connect every day,” Walmart said. “Across our clubs, AI is helping eliminate millions of repetitive tasks, freeing associates to spend more time on what matters most. That shift creates space for empathy, creativity and problem-solving — the things that make retail deeply human.”
AI Key
Walmart sees AI and its use by staff and customers as a crucial element to stay competitive with rivals such as Amazon (AMZN) and Target (TGT).
It is why technology and innovation is seen as a key, above sector average, risk for the Walmart business – see below:
As part of this, U.S. store and office-based Walmart staff will soon have access to “cutting-edge AI training” through a new collaboration with OpenAI. That means getting hands-on experience with AI tools.
Other tools brought in by Walmart include an AI-Powered listing tool and smart assistant to reduce time to market and increase conversion rates, and install numerous AI-powered Ranpak (PACK) AutoFill systems across its fulfillment centers. The aim is to speed up the fulfillment process for customers, reduce packaging waste, and simplify work for its staff.
Is WMT a Good Stock to Buy Now?
On TipRanks, WMT has a Strong Buy consensus based on 29 Buy ratings. Its highest price target is $127. WMT stock’s consensus price target is $114.07, implying a 10.58% upside.
