Former Walmart U.S. CEO, Bill Simon, believes that Walmart is well-equipped to handle tariff challenges without passing on the costs to consumers. In a recent interview on CNBC’s “Fast Money,” Simon pointed out that Walmart’s gross profit margin in the U.S. business grew by 25 basis points in the last quarter, indicating the company’s ability to manage any tariff impacts. He also mentioned that Walmart reported flat general merchandise categories due to price deflation, giving them room to absorb any additional costs.
Simon remains optimistic about consumer resilience in the face of potential price increases, citing a strong job market and lower fuel prices. However, he expressed concerns that negative rhetoric from corporate executives, such as the recent warnings from Walmart, could undermine consumer confidence.
Despite a 0.5% drop in Walmart’s stock on Thursday, shares have seen a positive trend overall, up more than 6% in 2025. The stock has even risen over 7% since President Trump’s tariff announcement in April.
Simon’s comments come at a time when investors are closely monitoring the impact of tariffs on retail businesses. As uncertainty looms, Walmart’s ability to navigate these challenges without burdening consumers with higher prices could set a positive precedent for the industry.
It is important for retailers to strike a balance between maintaining profitability and keeping prices competitive in a rapidly changing economic landscape. Walmart’s resilience in the face of tariff pressures underscores the company’s strong position in the market and its commitment to serving customers effectively.
