In a move set to reshape the future of American retail, WALMART has announced an ambitious partnership with OPENAI, bringing artificial intelligence training directly to its US frontline and office associates. This landmark initiative, unveiled in early September 2025, positions the retail giant at the forefront of digital transformation by giving over 1.6 million Walmart associates across the United States access to AI credentials and hands-on tools designed for the store floor and beyond.
A New Era for Workforce Development
As a launch partner for OPENAI’s Jobs Platform and OpenAI Certifications, WALMART joins leading organizations like John Deere, BCG, Accenture, Indeed, the Texas Association of Business, Bay Area Council, and the State of Delaware to pilot the new programs. The rollout will take full effect in 2026, leveraging the award-winning Walmart Academy learning system to bring tailored AI certifications to all US staff—an industry-first initiative targeting every level of the organization, from entry-level cashiers to office-based managers.
John Furner, CEO at Walmart, emphasized the company’s belief that people, not just technology, will define the retail sector’s next chapter:
“We know the future of retail won’t be defined by technology alone – it will be defined by people who know how to use it. By bringing AI training directly to our associates, we’re putting the most powerful technology of our time in their hands – giving them the skills to rewrite the playbook and shape the future of retail.”
The Walmart Academy program will offer free access to a custom version of OpenAI’s certification pathway, marking the first time that mass-market retail employees will be able to gain formal credentials in applied AI tools.
Sector-Wide Impact and Validation
This approach is drawing praise from across the business landscape. John Walsh, Accenture Americas CEO, spoke to the broader implications for professional development and client services:
“We’re deeply committed to preparing workers for an AI world by equipping them with the skills needed to be successful today and in the future – not only for ourselves, but also for our clients. Through our collaboration with OpenAI, we’ll be able to offer OpenAI certifications to our people as part of our AI training curriculum, as well as explore AI talent through the work marketplace.”
Recognizing Innovation: RTIH AI in Retail Awards
The impact of AI on consumer experiences and business efficiency is also being celebrated through the debut of the RTIH AI in Retail Awards in 2025. Hosted by RTIH, known for its annual RTIH Innovation Awards, this new program spotlights advances in digital omnichannel experiences, inventory optimization, and personalization.
Entry is free and open until Friday, 5th December, with winners announced at The Barbican in Central London on Thursday, 29th January.
The Future of AI in Retail
As AI begins to move past the hype phase and becomes embedded in retail business processes, WALMART’s partnership with OPENAI reflects a bigger industry trend: democratizing advanced tech skillsets for workers at every level. From New York to Dallas, staff will be equipped to use AI to personalize customer experiences, gain new insights into buying behaviors, and streamline day-to-day operations.
Industry analysts note that 2025 is set to be the year when AI and especially gen AI move beyond experiment and into the retail mainstream, with tangible benefits for employees, shoppers, and brands alike.
Conclusion
The new partnership between WALMART and OPENAI marks one of the retail world’s boldest investments in frontline learning and innovation. By empowering every associate with free AI training and industry-recognized certifications, WALMART sets a new benchmark in workforce preparation—leading a revolution where people and technology drive the future together.
