Walmart has told its stores not to display signs created with artificial intelligence tools, according to a policy update reported by Business Insider.
Custom print jobs have long been prohibited for the retailer’s store signage, but the updated guidance singles out AI-generated posters as especially forbidden. “Stores should not display signing created by AI tools,” the guidance says, according to Business Insider.
The company says all store signage should be ordered through its official corporate catalog, according to photo department guidance cited by the outlet. Stores may ask the photo lab for help only when there is a “critical business need” and no approved alternative exists.
The move addresses a trend of retail and restaurant managers using AI tools such as ChatGPT, Claude or Gemini to produce announcements and promotions without the expense of a professional graphic designer, Business Insider reported. Delis and bodegas have in particular adopted such imagery for menus and signs, a practice highlighted on social media and disliked by many customers.
Ad hoc printed signs can undercut the branding and standards that corporate parent companies work to maintain, the outlet reported.
Walmart’s restriction follows similar steps by technology companies. YouTube, LinkedIn, TikTok and Meta have all updated their guidelines on AI-generated content, according to Business Insider.
Walmart also recently added a photo-related benefit for its Walmart Plus members. Since August 14, members can order 25 free 4x6 prints each month by uploading images from their camera roll to the Walmart app, the outlet reported. Customers using the perk remain free to print AI images for personal use.