Walmart Inc. Chief Executive Officer Doug McMillon, who over a decade ushered the big-box behemoth into the Internet age, will retire in February. He’ll be replaced by US head John Furner — long viewed as the heir apparent.

Wall Street is getting skeptical about the AI rally amid concerns about a potential bubble, circular funding, valuations and debt loads. Why it matters: Old-economy stocks could be set for an AI renaissance as investors examine classic companies that can benefit from the technology.

AI will reshape all Walmart positions, from cashiers to store managers to top executives, CEO Doug McMillon said.

Walmart has announced a new partnership with OpenAI that will soon allow customers to shop using ChatGPT — marking a revolutionary step into AI-driven retail. The collaboration will allow shoppers to use conversational AI for tasks such as meal planning or restocking essentials, with purchases completed through Walmart’s Instant Checkout.

Having already issued a warning about employee evolution, Walmart CEO Doug McMillon has doubled down on AI changing jobs forever. The company host over 2 millions employees worldwide.

Walmart is turning up the heat for the 2025 holiday shopping season with a sweeping deployment of artificial-intelligence tools across its app, stores, supply chain, and customer-service operations. It’s a bet on relatively new technology that could help it edge out rivals in a fiercely competitive retail landscape.

Walmart is combining AI and augmented reality with a feature called Shop the Background, which lets customers click on items in product images, like artwork or furniture, to add them directly to their carts. Additionally, the retailer’s Dynamic Showroom tool lets shoppers view different spaces and swap out furnishings to meet their preferences.

Walmart’s investment in AI reflects a broader shift in retail strategy. Physical stores are increasingly being viewed as multifunctional fulfilment centres that serve local communities while supporting e-commerce operations. By embedding AI in these processes, Walmart is: