Walmart Expands Grocery Discounts for Employees Amid Rising Price Concerns
As concerns grow over the impact of tariffs and the potential for rising prices, Walmart is offering more relief to its employees through expanded discounts.
On Wednesday, the retail giant announced it will now provide a 10% discount on nearly all grocery items — including staples like milk, meat, and frozen foods — to its U.S. employees. Previously, this discount applied only to fresh produce and most general merchandise, such as apparel and toys, with additional food discounts limited to the holiday season.
In a memo obtained by CNBC, Walmart’s Chief People Officer Donna Morris confirmed that the broader discount is effective immediately. All U.S.-based employees who have completed at least 90 days with the company will be eligible. According to Morris, the updated policy will now cover 95% of regularly priced items throughout the store.
“We’ve listened to your feedback about how much these savings matter for you and your families,” Morris wrote. “Expanding this benefit has been one of the most common requests we’ve received.”
The move comes as both businesses and economists keep a close eye on the economic ripple effects of tariffs. While the latest Consumer Price Index report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics showed stable food prices overall, some categories — like household furnishings — saw noticeable monthly increases. Walmart itself has acknowledged the challenges. In May, CFO John David Rainey told CNBC that although the company is built around everyday low prices, recent cost pressures are “more than any retailer can absorb.”
Beyond supporting employees, the broader discount could offer strategic value to Walmart’s business. Encouraging workers to shop more frequently at Walmart stores and online could increase sales. Additionally, the benefit may help the company attract and retain talent in a competitive labor market.
Walmart, the nation’s largest private employer with about 1.6 million workers in the U.S., is scheduled to report its next quarterly earnings on August 21.
The policy change was initially reported by The Wall Street Journal.
Jagger Beltran is the founder and author of Computer Site Engineering, a blog dedicated to exploring the latest in computing, hardware, and software. With a passion for technology, he provides in-depth insights to help readers stay ahead in the digital world.
