Walmart Touts People and AI in Annual Report

Artificial intelligence-powered tools are contributing to Walmart’s efforts to become its customers’ primary retail destination, the company said in its annual report released Thursday (April 23).

These tools enhance customers’ shopping experience, associates’ productivity, and the company’s efficiency across supply chain, operations, management, talent recruitment and talent development, according to the report.

“We are at a pivotal moment, not just for our company, but for the industry, as artificial intelligence fundamentally reshapes how customers shop and how associates work,” Walmart President and CEO John Furner said in the annual report. “We are harnessing its power to enhance our business, guided by our foundational values of service, excellence, respect and integrity.”

In a letter to shareholders released Thursday in conjunction with the annual report, Furner said Walmart is providing associates with technology and information that helps them better serve customers. Walmart-owned Sam’s Club said in September 2025 that it was giving frontline managers AI tools to help them make decisions faster and free them from repetitive tasks.

“Our associates, powered by AI, are delivering faster and more accurately than ever all around the world,” Furner said.

Walmart highlighted in its annual report the companywide AI learning pathways and certifications it offers its associates. The retailer announced in September 2025 that it was preparing to offer its employees free access to an AI certification program from OpenAI. In his letter to shareholders, Furner also spotlighted the retailer’s efforts to provide opportunities for associates to learn new skills.

“Whether it is one of our new programs to certify our associates as AI proficient, obtain a commercial driver’s license to become a Walmart fleet driver, manage a store, or develop their own solutions using our vibe coding platform, we create opportunities to advance their careers,” Furner said.

The retailer said in the annual report that it is reshaping associates’ roles to emphasize uniquely human strengths, identifying areas where AI can automate repetitive tasks, and making its workforce digitally skilled and AI-enabled.

“This includes preparing associates for new roles, technologies and ways of working, as well as deploying digital tools that support associate effectiveness, engagement and performance,” Walmart said in the annual report.

Walmart’s use of AI to enhance customer experiences was highlighted by Furner in his letter to shareholders in the form of the retailer’s AI agent, Sparky. The retailer introduced Sparky in its app in June 2025, saying the AI assistant helps customers find products, answers questions and makes recommendations.

“Our AI agent, Sparky, is helping customers save time, create solutions, and find the things they want and need at everyday low prices, creating a future for Walmart that is high-speed, convenient and personalized,” Furner said in the letter.