Walmart Employees Sound the Alarm As Prices Soar
Walmart is raising eyebrows and prices, as shoppers and employees alike document noticeable price hikes on the retailer's shelves. These increases come in the wake of tariffs, which have forced Walmart, and many other companies, to adjust costs to maintain margins.
Photos of price increases are circulating online, especially on Reddit, where users have posted images showing hikes of up to 45 percent. Newsweek reported one notable example includes a Jurassic World t. rex toy, which jumped from $39.92 in April to $55 by late May. 'Just crazy to see happening in real-time,' wrote one user.
Another user shared a Baby Born doll that saw its price rise from $34.94 to $49.97, while a left-handed fishing reel spiked from $57.37 to $83.26—an increase of 45 percent. Even pantry staples haven't been spared: a Reddit post noted cocoa powder that rose from $3.44 in May 2024 to $6.18 in April 2025.
Walmart's leadership hasn't shied away from acknowledging the impact. CEO Doug McMillon said last month, 'We will do our best to keep our prices as low as possible, but given the magnitude of the tariffs, even at the reduced levels announced this week, we aren't able to absorb all the pressure given the reality of narrow retail margins.'
The toy industry, in particular, has been hit hard. Many manufacturers rely on imports from China, and the 10 percent tariffs are squeezing costs. When asked about the rising prices, Trump offered a characteristically blunt response: 'Well, maybe the children will have two dolls instead of 30 dolls, you know.'Walmart's strategy moving forward appears focused on maintaining momentum while mitigating margin pressure. Chief Financial Officer John David Rainey noted, 'Our strategy is clear, our top-line momentum is strong, and we are flexing into our advantages to protect margins as we grow.'
For shoppers, this means higher prices at checkout—potentially more visible as Walmart continues to raise prices on both everyday essentials and popular items. As the retail giant navigates tariff-fueled costs, consumers may need to adjust expectations and budgets alike.Walmart Employees Sound the Alarm As Prices Soar first appeared on Men's Journal on Jun 2, 2025
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