Walmart launches Agent Gateway as Amazon blocks AI shoppers

Walmart is rolling out an Agent Gateway, a new MCP server letting approved AI agents search inventory and make purchases on behalf of customers. Launching next month, Agent Profiles allow shoppers to authorize individual agents, view their purchases separately, and set spending limits or require per-transaction approval. Walmart's standard returns policy applies even when an agent misbehaves. The move contrasts sharply with Amazon and various travel and booking sites, which have begun blocking AI agents entirely. Walmart already partners with Meta's Muse and integrates with ChatGPT and Gemini.