Walmart sees sales drop as US consumer spending retreats
Summary
Walmart’s sales growth slowed down as US consumers spent less, partly due to higher fuel prices and trade tensions with Iran. While in-store visits decreased, Walmart’s online sales increased significantly, leading the company to raise its sales growth forecast slightly.Key Facts
- Walmart’s US same-store sales rose 2.6% in the second quarter, below the 3.8% expected by analysts.
- This 2.6% increase was Walmart’s slowest quarterly sales growth in six years.
- Rising fuel prices, now averaging $4.10 per gallon, have caused consumers to cut back on spending.
- Walmart expects $2 billion more in fuel-related costs than originally planned.
- Sales fell in Walmart’s US pharmacy segment and some other areas.
- Walmart reduced prices on 11,000 items to attract customers, using $2.9 billion received from tariff refunds.
- Foot traffic in stores grew by 1.5%, less than the previous quarter’s 3%, but online sales jumped 24% in the US.
- Overall retail sales in the US dropped 0.6% in July, the largest decrease since May 2025.
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