Walmart Inc. (NYSE:WMT) could benefit after OpenAI reportedly scaled back plans to enable direct purchases within ChatGPT. Instead, the platform may redirect shoppers to retailer apps for checkout, a shift that could strengthen Walmart's digital ecosystem and drive traffic to its own commerce channels.
According to Bank of America Securities analyst Christopher Nardone, the change could reinforce Walmart's position as artificial intelligence reshapes online shopping.
Nardone reiterated a Buy rating on the stock with a price forecast of $150, citing Walmart's AI investments, retail partnerships, and value-focused positioning as key advantages.
AI Infrastructure And Retail Integrations
OpenAI is reconsidering plans to allow direct purchases inside ChatGPT.
Instead, the platform may redirect shoppers to retailer apps linked through ChatGPT for checkout.
Nardone said the change is likely to benefit Walmart by encouraging a commerce model similar to its Gemini partnership.
He added that early integrations may involve fewer retailers, giving Walmart stronger visibility in AI-driven search results.
According to the analyst, Walmart's investments in its AI platform, Sparky, create an advantage over competitors with smaller infrastructure commitments.
The change also reduces concerns that ChatGPT-based shopping could weaken Walmart's growing advertising business, the analyst writes.
Nardone noted Walmart's advertising segment generated about $6.4 billion and expanded nearly 50% last year.
He said redirecting purchases to retailer platforms lowers the risk of lost advertising revenue.
Target Also Positioned To Benefit
The analyst added that the OpenAI development could also support Target Corporation (NYSE:TGT) in the evolving AI commerce landscape.
Target previously integrated its app functionality with ChatGPT, positioning the retailer for similar opportunities.
Nardone said both Walmart and Target continue investing heavily in artificial intelligence across operations. He believes both companies remain among the leaders in adopting AI tools within retail.
Macro Factors Still In Focus
Looking broadly at retail trends, Nardone said rising gasoline prices remain a key variable.
Gasoline prices have climbed about 9% in the past week to roughly $3.25 per gallon.
If tensions in the Middle East continue pushing fuel costs higher, value-focused retailers such as Walmart could benefit as consumers shift spending toward lower-priced options.
The analyst also said tax refunds remain an important factor for consumer spending patterns.
WMT Price Action: Walmart shares were up 0.59% at $124.04 at the time of publication on Friday, according to Benzinga Pro data.
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