Walmart Cuts 1500 Jobs in Corporate Restructuring Push
Walmart Cuts 1500 US jobs, mostly from its global technology teams and US corporate offices. The layoffs include staff at its Bentonville, Arkansas headquarters. The company aims to simplify its structure, reduce layers, and speed up decision-making.
In a memo titled “Building for the Future,” US CEO John Furner and Global Tech Chief Suresh Kumar explained the changes. They said Walmart wants to respond faster to market shifts and improve how its technology aligns with business goals.
The memo outlined plans to reshape teams in the Global Tech and Walmart U.S. units. Executives identified areas with too much complexity or duplication. They plan to remove extra layers and help teams innovate more quickly. Walmart will slim down its tech division to better support long-term priorities.
Although the company is cutting jobs, it also plans to create new roles. These positions will focus on growth areas and support Walmart’s future direction. This shows a shift in investment toward modern business needs.
Restructuring Reflects Broader Trend Among US Companies
Walmart’s move follows a growing trend among large US firms. Companies like Amazon, Google, and Intel have also reduced middle-management layers. These changes aim to boost efficiency and increase flexibility. For instance, Amazon said last year it would raise its worker-to-supervisor ratio by at least 15%.
The timing of the job cuts is notable. Just last week, Walmart said it would raise prices on many products. The increase comes in response to tariffs introduced under the Trump administration. Walmart imports about a third of its US merchandise from countries such as China, Mexico, and Vietnam. Despite some tariffs being paused, many remain. The company’s Chief Financial Officer described the current duties as “too high.”
Despite these challenges, Walmart reported strong performance in its latest quarter. Revenue rose 2.5% compared to the same period last year, reaching $165.6 billion. The company says it remains focused on adapting its operations. Its goal is to balance rising costs with innovation and improved customer service.
