From Startup Fortune · · 1m
Google's Universal Cart Launch Sparks Retailer Pushback
Google's Universal Cart goes live but retailers like Walmart and Target push back on full checkout integration.
In brief
Google's Universal Cart goes live but retailers like Walmart and Target push back on full checkout integration. Google's Universal Cart launched for US retailers on October 15, 2024, but major chains like Walmart and Target limit checkout to select options to retain customer data. Originally reported by Startup…
Universal Cart Launch
Google's Universal Cart launched across Search and Gemini app in the US on October 15, 2024.
Retailer Restrictions
Walmart, Target, and Sephora support Universal Cart but only for select checkout options.
Universal Cart Functionality
The cart tracks price drops, restocks, and flags mismatches for custom builds.
Checkout Options
Shoppers pay via Google Pay or are redirected to retailer sites for checkout.
Retailer Concerns
Walmart and Target want traffic but not data from Universal Cart.
Coupon Industry Threat
Deal aggregators lose relevance as Universal Cart applies discounts automatically.
Regulatory Concerns
Senator Elizabeth Warren raised privacy and antitrust concerns about Universal Cart.
The bottom line
Google's Universal Cart launched for US retailers on October 15, 2024, but major chains like Walmart and Target limit checkout to select options to retain customer data.
