Walmart cuts corporate roles as it merges online, store businesses - CNBC

A man walks past a Walmart store in Washington, DC on July 15, 2020. - Walmart will require shoppers to wear face masks starting next week, the US retail giant announced on July 15, joining an increasing number of businesses in mandating the protection amid the latest spike in coronavirus cases.

Andrew Caballero-Reynolds | AFP | Getty Images

Walmart is cutting corporate roles across the company as it merges its online and store businesses in the U.S.

The country's largest retailer confirmed Thursday that it is eliminating some jobs in its back offices — but would not say how many workers will lose their jobs.

The layoffs were first reported by Bloomberg. Citing people familiar with the matter, the report said Walmart has laid off hundreds of corporate employees across store planning, logistics and real estate units.

"We are continuing on our journey to create an omnichannel organization within our Walmart U.S. business and we're making some additional changes this week," Walmart spokeswoman Jami Lamontagne told CNBC.

She said the company will share more details after notifying employees.

Other retailers have also eliminated corporate positions in recent months, as the pandemic and recession heightens financial pressures. Macy's, Nike and L Brands, which owns Victoria's Secret and Bath & Body Works, have all announced plans to reduce headcount.

However, Walmart has faced a different set of circumstances during the pandemic. As an essential retailer, it's been able to keep stores open. Its sales have shot up as Americans buy more groceries and household essentials as they spend more time at home.

In recent months, the big-box retailer has hired more than 400,000 employees for stores and fulfillment centers to help stock shelves and keep up with demand.

The company's stock is trading down about 1% on Thursday.

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