Walmart cuts 1,500 corporate jobs

The round of layoffs, announced Wednesday, is not related to tariffs, the Journal reported. Walmart has not responded to a request for comment.

The cuts will affect teams in global technology operations, U.S. managerial roles in e-commerce fulfillment, and Walmart Connect.

Walmart recently reported a strong first quarter, with U.S. net sales rising 3.2% year over year to $112.2 billion. Comparable sales, excluding fuel, increased 4.5%.

The Bentonville, Arkansas-based company, however, continues to face pressure from tariffs imposed on goods from China and other countries. During its first-quarter earnings call last week, CEO Doug McMillon said Walmart would not be able to absorb all cost increases if they persist and would likely pass those costs on to customers.

More than a week ago, the U.S. and China agreed to a 90-day pause on their respective tariffs. During this period, the U.S. will lower its 145% tariff to 30% on Chinese goods, including a 10% baseline tariff. China will reduce its 125% tariff to 10% on U.S. goods.

Despite the pause, products will soon arrive on shelves with the 145% tariff applied.

Walmart has long been viewed as a bellwether for worker compensation. In January, the company announced pay increases for market managers, who oversee multiple Walmart locations. These managers can now earn between $420,000 and $620,000 annually if they receive full bonuses. Minimum base pay will rise from $130,000 to $160,000.

In January 2024, store managers began receiving an annual stock grant worth up to $20,000, in addition to a pay raise and redesigned bonus structure.

A new bonus plan for hourly store workers was announced in June 2024, following a wage increase in late 2023 that raised hourly pay to $18.