Walmart to slash 1,500 jobs in efforts to streamline operation

US retail giant Walmart becomes the latest addition to the list of companies planning layoffs, slashing 1,500 jobs as a part of a broad restructuring effort.

The move is aimed towards streamlining its operations, according to an internal memo cited by Reuters.

The job cuts are expected to span across a range of roles, impacting staff in Walmart’s global technology division, e-commerce operations within US stores, and its advertising unit, Walmart Connect .

Some positions will be eliminated, while new ones will be created to better align with the company’s long-term strategy.

“To accelerate our progress delivering the experiences that will define the future of retail, we must sharpen our focus,” the memo said.

Walmart, US retail bellwether and the largest private employer in the country with about 1.6 million staff, employs roughly 2.1 million people worldwide. It is also the country’s biggest importer, with nearly 60% of its shipments, mostly clothing, electronics and toys, sourced from China.

The move follows a series of recent changes at the company. In February, Walmart shut down its office in North Carolina, shifting employees to key hubs in California and Arkansas.

Just last week, it announced plans to raise prices on certain products by the end of May, citing the financial strain caused by US President Donald Trump’s trade policies.