Walmart’s top boss, Doug McMillon, has issued a stark warning: many Americans are struggling to make ends meet as food prices keep rising.
Speaking recently at the Economic Club of Chicago, McMillon said that more and more shoppers are cutting back by buying smaller items and switching to cheaper alternatives, especially near the end of the month.
“You can see the stress on people’s faces,” McMillon said. “The money runs out before the month is over.”
Walmart, the biggest grocery retailer in the U.S., has been trying to keep prices down. In 2024, the company pledged to roll back some food prices to pre-inflation levels. But with costs still rising, especially for basics like eggs, meat, and drinks, many shoppers feel like they’re falling behind.
Prices That Keep Climbing
According to recent government data, the cost of groceries has climbed steadily:
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Meat, poultry, fish, and eggs jumped 6.1% in the past year.
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Egg prices alone rose over 50%.
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Dairy, cereals, and beverages also saw noticeable increases.
Even a modest rise in prices can hit lower-income families hard. “If you’re living paycheck to paycheck, every dollar counts,” McMillon said. “People are simply exhausted.”
Why This Matters
Shoppers are increasingly turning to discount chains like Walmart to stretch their budgets. But even with Walmart’s efforts, many are still cutting back.
The message from McMillon is clear: high food costs are more than just numbers on a receipt—they’re causing real pressure for families across the country.
As inflation continues to bite, Walmart and other retailers face a tough challenge: how to support customers without hurting their own bottom lines.