“Agentic” AI in quickly gaining adoption in big box retail, including Walmart’s recent launch of its AI-powered shopping assistant, “Sparky.” Agentic AI refers to artificial intelligence systems that can act on behalf of customers, such as placing orders, rather than just providing recommendations or information.
Walmart’s introduction of Sparky marks a significant step in the adoption of agentic AI within mainstream retail. This move follows similar initiatives by competitors like Lowe’s and Home Depot, who have also launched AI-driven shopping assistants. Walmart’s approach is grounded in the belief that AI is no longer a novelty but an essential utility that is fundamentally reshaping how consumers shop and how retailers operate.
WalMart’s “Retail Rewired Report” underscores this conviction, stating that AI has become an “invisible but indispensable layer of the shopping journey—one that’s practical, efficient and increasingly trusted.” Walmart supports its claims with data showing a narrowing trust gap between AI-based recommendations and influencer endorsements: 27% of survey respondents now prefer AI suggestions, compared to 24% who trust influencer advice. This is notable given the industry’s recent investments in influencer marketing.
According to Walmart’s research, shoppers are primarily using AI to:
- Compare prices, shipping times, and product availability
- Receive alerts on price drops for items they’ve viewed or wish listed
- Narrow down options based on past preferences
Speed and efficiency are key motivators; 54% of respondents believe digital shopping assistants can help save time in-store. However, skepticism persists. Nearly half of those surveyed said they were unlikely to use an AI agent to handle an entire shopping trip, and concerns remain about the accuracy of AI recommendations and the extent of personal data collection.
Walmart’s report identifies four main insights that temper the hype around AI in retail:
Traditional Search Still Dominates: Most shoppers still begin their shopping journeys by manually typing into a search bar. Social media is the second most common method, indicating that AI is not yet the primary entry point for most consumers.
Trust in AI Varies by Product: Shoppers are more comfortable using AI for low-stakes purchases like household essentials. For high-value or personal items (such as furniture or groceries), there is greater reluctance, and human guidance is still preferred.
AI as a Tool, Not a Replacement: While AI can recommend products, it is not seen as a substitute for human decision-making. Forty-six percent of respondents were unlikely to use digital assistants for an entire shopping trip.
Privacy and Security Concerns: Data privacy remains a significant issue. A quarter of respondents want only minimal data collected by AI tools, reflecting ongoing consumer wariness about how their information is used.
The article concludes that while AI offers enormous potential for improving retail experiences, its success hinges on thoughtful implementation. Retailers must balance convenience, speed, and personalization with customer control, consent, and data security. As Walmart’s report puts it, AI can transform retail “only if we don’t lose sight of what consumers want: convenience without compromise, speed without risk, personalization with control and consent”.
Agentic AI is poised to play a transformative role in retail, but widespread adoption will depend on building trust, ensuring privacy, and delivering tangible value to shoppers without sacrificing their sense of control.
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