"As inventory has become an issue for all retailers, we've increased our focus on creating a safe working environment," the spokesperson said. Their identities are known to Insider.Ī Walmart spokesperson told Insider that "nothing is more important to us than the health and safety of our associates and customers." All spoke on the condition of anonymity out of fear of retaliation. They described myriad pallets rendering floors nearly unwalkable, towering boxes that have blocked access to places like private breastfeeding rooms and bathrooms, and outdoor trailers stuffed with excess inventory. Insider spoke with six current employees who work in the back rooms of Walmart stores across the country. On the ground floor, Walmart store employees are wrestling with the consequences of this overstock, and analysts say it may be another year before Walmart gets the situation under control. What started as runs on products like toilet paper - leaving Walmart's shelves empty of many items - turned into the world's largest retailer ordering a surplus of goods above their customers' overall demand. Just as it did for many other big-box retailers, the pandemic created a stocking whirlwind for Walmart. Industry analysts say the retailer will have to work through the inventory for months into 2023.Īfter finishing last quarter with a 32% increase in inventory due to inflation and supply-chain issues, Doug McMillon, the CEO of Walmart, vowed the company would "work through" excess goods "over the next couple of quarters.".Employees describe nearly unwalkable back rooms filled with pallets and outdoor storage trailers.Walmart finished last quarter with a 32% increase in inventory, causing stores to need more space.
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