Walmart Inc. is laying off approximately 1,500 employees in the United States in a bid to restructure as it works to keep up with fast-moving technological changes. The job cuts will impact corporate staff at the companys headquarters in Bentonville, Arkansas, and other offices.
Some workers losing their jobs include members of the global technology team, e-commerce fulfillment managers, and members of Walmart Connect, the companys advertising business.
Reached for comment, a Walmart representative shared with Fast Company a copy of the memo that was sent to staff on Wednesday afternoon.
We are reshaping some teams in our Global Tech and Walmart U.S. organizations where we have identified opportunities to remove layers and complexity, speed up decision-making, and help associates innovate rapidly. the memo said.
This isnt the first report of layoffs for the big-box store this year. In February, Walmart laid off hundreds of workers and closed its North Carolina office. Some employers were asked to relocate to the retailers headquarters.
Technology, not tariffs, cited for reason
Many retailers are looking for ways to trim expenses to combat the rising cost of doing business due to tariffs. One way retailers are reacting is by passing on added costs to the consumer with price increases.
Some companies are also reducing labor costs with layoffs, although Walmart told the Wall Street Journal that the current job cuts are not connected to tariffs.
Rather, Walmarts memo says, The world of technology is evolving at an unprecedented pace, and reshaping our structure allows us to accelerate how we deliver and adapt to the changing environment around us.”
At the same time, during Walmarts first-quarter earnings call for fiscal 2026, CEO Doug McMillon shared that some products would be impacted by price increases due to tariffs.
Given the magnitude of the tariffs, even at the reduced levels announced this week, we arent able to absorb all the pressure given the reality of narrow retail margins, McMillon warned.
Over the weekend, President Trump retaliated by lashing out on social media, suggesting that the company should absorb the costs instead of passing them onto consumers.
Walmart employs approximately 1.6 million workers in the United States, making it the largest private employer in the country. The Wall Street Journal first reported the retailers plans to cut jobs on Wednesday.
Walmart stock (NYSE: WMT) was mostly flat in late-morning trading on Thursday. Shares have increased roughly 6.77% year to date.
