Walmart this week reported strong sales growth for its latest quarter as its grocery section continues to appeal to shoppers across all income levels.
The retailer reported its U.S. comparable sales, those from stores and digital channels operating for at least 12 months, grew 4.6% in the quarter ended January 30, strengthened by market share gains, especially in upper-income households, the company said Thursday. Online sales in the U.S. jumped 27%.
“The retailer has clocked years of quarterly sales growth amid a changing consumer environment with more buyers moving online and shoppers hunting for lower prices, especially for groceries. Earlier this month, the company’s stock surpassed a $1 trillion valuation for the first time,” The Wall Street Journal wrote.
Overall Walmart reported net sales of $190.7 billion for the quarter, up 5.6% from the same period last year. Net income fell 19.4% to $4.2 billion in the most recent quarter, below analyst’s estimates, according to FactSet.
The retailer also said consumers continue to spend cautiously, particularly low-income shoppers. Walmart’s profit margins grew mainly due to grocery sales, membership through its Walmart Plus program and advertising sales. But that growth was “offset by slower sales growth in general merchandise, a dynamic that reflects shoppers prioritizing their spending needs,” wrote WSJ.
Walmart said it expects steady growth in the current year, with 3.5% to 4.5% growth in net sales and operating income growth of 6% to 8% for the full year, below some analyst’s expectations for the retailer’s current year guidance.
Last year, NACS Daily reported that Walmart was looking to “revamp its convenience services” and open or remodel more than 45 fuel stations across the United States in 2025. Walmart operates 400+ fuel and convenience stations nationwide across 34 states.