Walmart Expands Employee Grocery Discounts Amid Inflation Concerns

Walmart, the largest private employer in the U.S., is widening its employee discount to cover nearly all grocery items year-round, including essentials like milk, meat, and frozen foods.

Previously, the 10% discount applied to fresh produce and most general merchandise all year, but other food items were only included during the holiday season. Now, about 95% of regularly priced items in stores qualify for the price cut, which is available to Walmart’s 1.6 million U.S. employees after 90 days on the job.

In a memo, Walmart’s Chief People Officer Donna Morris said the move came in response to repeated employee requests, noting the savings make “a real difference” for workers and their families.

The announcement follows growing concerns over the impact of tariffs on consumer prices. While recent inflation data shows that food prices are overall flat, certain goods, such as household furnishings, have seen increases. Walmart executives have warned that rising costs are difficult for retailers to absorb fully, but this perk could encourage employees to shop in-store while also improving retention and recruitment.

The change was revealed at Walmart’s holiday meeting in Houston, where a store manager shared how the discount would help employees struggling to afford their next meal.

Walmart will report its quarterly earnings on August 21.

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Source: Melissa Repko, CNBC