Walmart to Slash 1,500 Corporate Jobs in Major Restructuring Move

According to a media source, the US retail giant Walmart intends to eliminate some 1,500 corporate positions as part of a reorganisation initiative to streamline its business practices.

Divisions like Walmart Connect, its advertising business, e-commerce fulfilment in US stores, and worldwide technology operations will all be impacted by the layoffs.

According to a memo seen by a media house, "We must sharpen our focus to accelerate our progress delivering the experiences that will define the future of retail."

A media outlet was previously informed by a source with knowledge of the matter that the biggest retailer in the world would lay off about 1,500 employees and replace them with new positions that better fit its long-term objectives.

Walmart Currently Employs 2.1 People Globally

Walmart employs over 1.6 million people in the US and 2.1 million worldwide, making it the largest private employer in the nation, according to its website. Given that the company's supply chains have been disrupted and costs have increased due to President Donald Trump's trade war, the action comes after another significant announcement to hike prices on a few products by the end of May.

Interestingly, it is the biggest importer in the nation, importing almost 60% of its goods from China, mostly toys, electronics, and apparel. The company is happy with the progress the [Trump] administration has made on tariffs from the levels that were announced in early April, but they're still too high, CFO John David Rainey stated in a recent interview with a media source.

As part of a plan to move employees to its main centres in California and Arkansas, the corporation laid off employees and closed its North Carolina headquarters in February.

 "The brand values and culture are strategic differentiators for us as a company, and they are fostered by being together," stated Donna Morris, Walmart's chief people officer, in an internal memo that US media outlets were able to get in February.

Layoffs have Become a New Normal for Bigger Players

This layoff announcement coincides with employment cuts by a number of multinational corporations, such as Amazon, Intel, and Goldman Sachs. Such developments are happening mainly owing to the growing impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and uncertainties in the global economy. Intel is getting ready for a massive restructure following a large financial loss in 2024.

Similarly, Amazon also plans to eliminate about 14,000 administrative roles in order to save $3 billion yearly.

Companies are increasingly focusing on cost optimisation and automation as a result of the rapid growth in AI adoption. This adoption is resulting in job losses across a number of industries.

Goldman Sachs is also getting ready to lay off employees, with intentions to trim staff by 3–5% after an annual performance review. About 150 junior banker positions were recently cut by Bank of America; nevertheless, the majority of impacted workers were offered opportunities outside of investment banking.