David Bridges
During the tariff era, even minor price fluctuations can generate significant public reaction, leading many individuals to quickly attribute any price increase to tariffs. Recently, Mashable addressed a misleading report concerning a potential rise in the prices of certain Microsoft Surface laptops. Now, attention has turned to Walmart, a major retail player in grocery and everyday essentials.
On April 30, Reuters disclosed that Walmart reinstated a $6.99 fee for online grocery delivery and pickup orders under $35, specifically for participants in the Walmart+ Assist program. This program is designed for shoppers utilizing food stamps, EBT cards, or Medicaid, allowing them to register for Walmart+—a subscription service offering benefits such as free pharmacy deliveries and discounted fuel purchases—at a remarkable 50% reduced price ($49 annually instead of the standard $98). During the COVID-19 pandemic, Walmart temporarily eliminated the basket fee for smaller orders made by members of the Walmart+ Assist program, but this charge has now been reinstated as of April.
In response, The Daily Mail claimed that “new tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump” were responsible for this fee change. If it were true that Walmart was passing on tariff costs to low-income customers, it would certainly represent a significant public relations blunder. However, the company has firmly stated that this assertion is entirely inaccurate.
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A representative from Walmart informed Mashable that the basket fee is unrelated to any tariffs. This fee aligns with the standard practices of most retailers regarding online grocery orders and does not apply to purchases made in-store. This clarification is essential for understanding the broader context of how retailers operate and the challenges they face in the current economic landscape.
Currently, Walmart boasts a network of 4,605 stores across the United States, providing essential groceries and everyday items to countless shoppers nationwide. According to data from Numerator, a data and technology company, an astonishing 94% of SNAP shoppers have purchased groceries from Walmart within the past year, marking it as the predominant grocery destination among food stamp recipients. This statistic highlights Walmart’s vital role in supporting low-income families across the country.
U.S. households consume a vast array of produce and dry goods imported globally, which are susceptible to the impact of new international tariffs enforced by the Trump administration. Nevertheless, large corporations like Walmart are typically better equipped to absorb rising costs compared to smaller businesses. During a February earnings call, Walmart CEO Doug McMillon sought to reassure investors about the company’s resilience, and Walmart has also initiated a program aimed at increasing the availability of American-made products in its stores, dubbed Grow With Us.
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