Walmart is introducing a proprietary AI tech tool created to support company designers and merchants by analyzing and synthesizing global data and trends.
The new tool, called Trend-to-Product, draws information from the Internet and tastemakers to support the company in delivering on-trend, high-quality items with speed and at the low prices Walmart customers expect, the company reported.
When it comes to product development, Walmart stated in a blog post, designers are also researchers, scouring the world to see what trends are emerging and gaining ground then spending sometimes months collaborating to develop a style direction. According to Walmart, Trend-to-Product, using AI, can take the research and design phase from weeks to minutes. The tool, using generative AI, can create aids such as mood boards featuring collection names, colors, textures and ideas. Merchants can enter the collaborative process to help finalize a product collection.
Walmart is initially focusing Trend-to-Product on apparel, however, the technology is applicable across product categories. Speed of design is such that the development process can take just an hour, with merchandise created on shelves and online in six to eight weeks, an advantage in apparel but potentially one for fashioning seasonal products and those that evolve with household and cosmetic style trends, according to Walmart.
From a larger perspective, Trend-to-Product is an example of how Walmart is exploring technology to elevate the customer experience, with AI a critical factor in that quest.
“Walmart has continued to invest in cutting-edge AI and GenAI technologies to make the lives of our customers, members and associates easier,” said Vinod Bidarkoppa, executive vice president and chief technology officer at Walmart International. “Trend-to-Product is the latest example of how these technologies drive optimization, and when combined, can revolutionize an entire business line or industry. This innovation underscores our commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, ensuring that our customers always have access to the latest trends at the best prices.”
Andrea Albright, executive vice president of Walmart Sourcing, added, “We recognized the possibilities with customer-facing technology and saw Trend-to-Product as a way to bring the best of AI and GenAI to the first mile. Now, that vision is coming to life. And we’re not stopping with fashion. Imagine a future where Trend-to-Product helps designers create the next great lipstick color or a new flavor combination that sets the Internet on fire. That’s where we’re headed.”
