Walmart is preparing to eliminate nearly 1,500 corporate roles in a limited but notable restructuring initiative aimed at its global technology, U.S. e-commerce fulfillment, and advertising divisions.
The company has offered few details publicly about the precise timeline or locations affected, signaling a cautious approach to internal change.
According to a memo obtained by Newsweek, the restructuring is part of a larger plan to simplify operations and align teams with shifting business priorities.
While the layoffs touch only a fraction of Walmart’s approximately 1.6 million U.S. employees, the decision underscores the scale of transformation underway at the nation’s largest private employer.
Internal Shift Targets Tech, E-Commerce, and Advertising Units
The announcement was first reported by The Wall Street Journal and confirmed in a memo obtained by Newsweek, which stated:
“To accelerate our progress delivering the experiences that will define the future of retail, we must sharpen our focus.“
The company later clarified that the number of affected roles was “close to but less than 1,500.”
Departments impacted include Global Tech, U.S. e-commerce fulfillment, and advertising operations. The memo described the rationale behind the restructuring as an attempt to
“Remove layers and complexity, speed up decision-making, and help associates innovate rapidly.“
It also stated:
“Reshaping our structure allows us to accelerate how we deliver and adapt to the changing environment around us.“
In addition to job cuts, Walmart noted it would be “opening some new roles aligned with our business priorities and growth strategy.“
Layoffs Follow Earlier Non-store Workforce Reductions
The company had already announced layoffs in February affecting an unspecified number of non-store employees.
Both rounds of job reductions are tied to a broader strategy of streamlining internal processes and reallocating resources toward higher-growth segments.
According to Walmart, these changes are intended to better align teams with evolving business needs and technologies.
External Pressures: Tariffs, Boycott, and Political Scrutiny
The announcement comes amid a nationwide boycott targeting Walmart’s physical and online platforms, as well as heightened political scrutiny over tariffs. Walmart previously warned that ongoing tariffs on Chinese imports could force the company to raise prices.
Despite recent reductions in tariffs, the company maintains that current rates are still burdensome. Chief Financial Officer John David Rainey told CNBC:
“The magnitude of these increases is more than any retailer can absorb.“
Following these remarks, President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social:
“Walmart made BILLIONS OF DOLLARS last year, far more than expected. Between Walmart and China they should, as is said, ‘EAT THE TARIFFS,’ and not charge valued customers ANYTHING.“
Walmart has denied any link between the layoffs and trade policy, stating the changes “reflect a focus on business priorities and our growth strategy and are not related to tariffs.“
Employee Reactions and Internal Support
Reaction among employees began circulating through the WalmartEmployees subreddit, where some users claimed to be directly impacted by the layoffs. The memo indicated that Walmart intends to support affected staff, stating it will work “closely with affected associates on their next steps, including other opportunities within Walmart where applicable.“
