Walmart Denies Closure Rumors Amid Viral TikTok Claims About SNAP Benefits

Walmart operations continue unaffected despite a wave of social media misinformation claiming widespread store closures, company officials confirmed Thursday. The retail giant is working to dispel false rumors that have gained traction on platforms like TikTok in recent weeks.

The viral claims, which reached millions of views, suggested Walmart would be closing numerous locations across the country due to issues with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). These posts erroneously linked temporary technical difficulties in SNAP benefit processing to permanent store closures.

“There is no truth to these rumors about widespread store closures,” said Walmart spokesperson Jessica Thompson in a statement to reporters. “We remain committed to serving our customers and communities across all our locations nationwide.”

The misinformation appears to stem from a temporary technical issue that affected SNAP benefit processing at some Walmart registers earlier this month. The glitch, which has since been resolved, created delays for customers attempting to use their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards at certain locations.

SNAP, formerly known as food stamps, provides nutrition benefits to supplement the food budget of families in need. More than 41 million Americans rely on the program, according to the USDA Food and Nutrition Service.

Retail analysts note that Walmart serves as a crucial access point for SNAP recipients. The company processes billions in SNAP transactions annually, making it one of the most important retailers for benefit recipients, particularly in rural areas where shopping options are limited.

“Walmart plays a vital role in food access for low-income Americans,” explained Dr. Elaine Waxman, senior fellow at the Urban Institute’s Income and Benefits Policy Center. “In many communities, especially rural ones, Walmart may be the only major grocery option within reasonable traveling distance for SNAP participants.”

The false closure claims gained particular momentum in communities already facing economic challenges, creating unnecessary concern among residents who depend on local Walmart locations for affordable groceries and household essentials.

Consumer advocacy groups have raised concerns about the real-world impact of such misinformation. “These rumors can cause genuine distress for families who rely on SNAP benefits and need consistent access to affordable food,” said Maria Gonzalez, director of the Consumer Protection Alliance. “When people hear their local store might close, it creates anxiety about food security.”

While Walmart is not planning mass closures, the company does routinely evaluate store performance as part of normal business operations. In January, Walmart announced plans to close a small number of underperforming stores this year, representing less than 1% of its total U.S. footprint of approximately 4,700 locations.

The current wave of misinformation highlights the growing challenge retailers face in combating viral rumors. Social media platforms have accelerated the spread of false claims, with TikTok videos on the subject garnering millions of views before fact-checking efforts could catch up.

Walmart has responded by increasing communication with customers through official channels and working with social media platforms to flag and remove false content. The company has also directed store managers to reassure employees about continued operations.

Retail industry experts suggest the spread of such rumors reflects broader economic anxieties. “In uncertain economic times, consumers become more sensitive to potential disruptions in access to essential goods,” said retail analyst Michael Stevens. “These rumors find fertile ground when people are already worried about inflation and affordability.”

For SNAP recipients concerned about benefit processing, officials recommend contacting their local SNAP office directly for the most accurate information. The USDA maintains a national hotline (1-800-221-5689) for benefit questions and concerns.

As for Walmart, the retail giant continues to expand its grocery business, which remains a cornerstone of its overall strategy. The company recently reported strong quarterly earnings, with grocery sales helping drive overall growth despite broader economic pressures affecting consumer spending.