Walmart US CEO John Furner said American shoppers are continuing to spend at a healthy rate despite economic uncertainty and the inflationary effects of President Donald Trump’s tariff policies, Bloomberg News reported Wednesday.
“We see a resilient customer that makes really smart choices for what’s right for them and their families at the time they’re shopping,” Furner said during a panel discussion at CNBC’s Invest in America forum.
His comments come as the world’s largest retailer continues to navigate shifting consumer behaviour amid rising prices and trade volatility.
In August, Walmart raised its annual forecasts, noting that shoppers across income levels were still turning to its stores despite broader economic headwinds, even as the company reported its first quarterly earnings miss in more than three years.
Walmart CEO Doug McMillon said during the same earnings call that consumer spending patterns are expected to hold steady through the remainder of the year.
He added that the impact of tariffs has been gradual, allowing households to adapt without major changes in shopping habits.
Still, the ongoing trade policies have placed pressure on lower-income households, which remain most exposed to inflation and price fluctuations.
Shares of Walmart rose about 1% on Wednesday following the report.
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