Walmart is shaking things up again—and not in a good way for some employees. The retail giant will cut about 1,500 jobs as part of a mass restructuring aimed at lowering costs and improving the speed of decision-making at the company. The layoffs are part of a broader effort to streamline operations in key business units and to allocate resources toward tech and digital growth.
If you’ve been keeping an eye on the retail space, you’ve probably noticed that many big chains are feeling the heat. Rising costs, global supply chain shifts, and the impact of tariffs have all been squeezing margins. For Walmart, this means they’re taking tough steps to stay competitive—and unfortunately, that includes job cuts.
Which Walmart departments are affected by the job cuts?
This round of layoffs isn’t company-wide—it’s quite specific. Walmart will restructure its global technology operations, U.S. e-commerce fulfillment, and Walmart Connect, the company’s ad business, said a person familiar with the company’s plans. These areas are being substantially overhauled, not only with job cuts but also with the addition of new roles that support Walmart’s long-term strategy.
So what does that mean for you if you work in one of those departments? It means that your job could be at risk if it’s not included in Walmart’s new priorities. But it also means that there could be new opportunities available, just in a different aisle.
Is Walmart still hiring while laying people off?
And that’s one of the stranger elements to this whole saga. Walmart isn’t so much cutting jobs as it’s job-shuffling. Certain jobs are disappearing, certainly, but new ones are being created, especially those that help the company’s drive into digital and tech. This isn’t about reducing headcount in general; it’s about moving resources around to align with future business goals.
For instance, if data science, logistics technology, or online advertising are part of your skill set, you might be more in demand now, just in a newly created job rather than your old one.
How are these layoffs connected to Walmart’s global strategy?
It is not purely a U.S. issue. Walmart is making global moves to manage its costs and improve decision-making speed. You may recall that the company recently made headlines with price hikes due to tariffs—something that even prompted a public rebuke from former President Trump.
The truth is, Walmart is trying to slim down and get clever. By outsourcing manufacturing and squeezing out suppliers, the company is trying to absorb higher costs without passing all of them on to you, the consumer. These layoffs are one piece of a much larger puzzle.
What should Walmart employees do now?
If you’re already employed at Walmart, especially in technology, fulfillment, or advertising, it’s a good idea to start preparing now. Here are a few things you can do:
- Update your resume and LinkedIn profile. Even if your job isn’t cut, it’s good to be ready.
- Look for internal postings. New roles might be opening up that align with the company’s digital focus.
- Upskill where possible. Learn tools and platforms Walmart is investing in (think data analytics, AI, or supply chain tech).
- Talk to your manager. Don’t be afraid to ask where your role fits into the new structure.
Walmart is expected to make an official announcement as early as Wednesday, so the situation may evolve quickly. Stay informed, stay flexible, and above all—don’t panic. Restructuring can be tough, but it can also open new doors if you’re proactive.
