MW Along with price hikes, here's how else Walmart might maintain margins while navigating tariffs

By Bill Peters

Job cuts are intended to 'remove layers and complexity' and 'speed up decision-making,' executives say in note to office employees

Walmart Inc. plans to cut around 1,500 jobs, the Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday, as the big-box chain tries to manage costs and accelerate decision-making amid broader efforts by retailers and consumers to navigate inflation and tariffs.

In a note sent to office employees, Suresh Kumar, global chief technology officer and chief development officer, and John Furner, chief executive of Walmart U.S., said the restructuring would occur across some staff in its global tech and U.S. operations "to remove layers and complexity, speed up decision-making and help associates innovate rapidly."

"We are eliminating roles as well as opening some new roles aligned with our business priorities and growth strategy," they said.

The company, in its most recent annual report, said it employed more than 2 million people worldwide.

Shares of Walmart $(WMT)$ were down 0.1% after hours. The stock, as of Wednesday's close, was up 47.8% over the past 12 months.

Last week, Walmart said it would have to raise prices, as President Donald Trump hits America's trading partners with tariffs, the harshest of which are currently on pause. Trump reacted harshly to Walmart's remarks, urging the retailer to "eat the tariffs."

Big-box rival Target Corp. (TGT) on Wednesday said raising prices would be a "very last resort" for the company.

-Bill Peters

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May 21, 2025 18:36 ET (22:36 GMT)

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