Walmart Denies TikTok Rumors of November 1 Store Closures

Walmart Debunks False Claims of Store Closures Amid SNAP Funding Concerns

Walmart has issued a firm denial after viral TikTok videos falsely claimed that all of its stores would close on November 1 due to potential unrest over federal food assistance funding interruptions.

“These claims are false, and we will continue to be open for business,” a Walmart spokesperson told FOX Business. “The safety and accessibility of our stores remain a top priority.”

The retail giant is pushing back against rapidly spreading misinformation that alleged Walmart planned to “lock its doors” and restrict customers to online shopping only. Some viral posts even claimed that police officers had been deployed to Walmart locations nationwide in preparation for possible looting.

One particularly influential video, which garnered more than 500,000 views, falsely stated that Walmart would transition entirely to online sales “to prevent chaos.” Another video with over a million views made similar assertions, claiming the retailer’s supposed decision came after “the brokies made a threat to go straight to Walmart when food benefits stop.”

TikTok has since removed several of these misleading videos for violating its Community Guidelines, which prohibit content that could trigger panic or cause harm. The platform has also adjusted its search algorithms to reduce the visibility of related false claims.

The misinformation surge coincides with growing public anxiety over the ongoing government shutdown, now in its fifth week. The prolonged budget impasse threatens to disrupt the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which provides critical food assistance to more than 40 million Americans nationwide.

SNAP benefits represent a significant portion of grocery spending across the country, particularly among lower-income households. The program serves as a lifeline for families struggling with food insecurity, and any disruption could have far-reaching economic and social consequences.

According to The New York Post, law enforcement officials have acknowledged that Walmart and other major retailers have received threats of large-scale theft if SNAP payments are interrupted. However, no credible incidents have been confirmed, and authorities have not issued any official warnings about potential civil unrest.

Walmart has emphasized that its stores will maintain normal operations, with no plans for closures, limited hours, or a switch to online-only sales. The company also confirmed that all locations will continue accepting SNAP payments as usual, providing some reassurance to benefit recipients concerned about their ability to purchase food.

The federal government has warned that SNAP funding could be depleted as soon as November 1 if Congress fails to reach a budget agreement. However, no major retailers have announced operational changes in response to this possibility, according to USA Today.

Retail analysts note that Walmart serves as a critical food access point in many communities, particularly in rural areas where shopping options are limited. Any closure, even temporary, could significantly impact food accessibility for vulnerable populations.

The false rumors highlight how quickly misinformation can spread on social media platforms during periods of economic uncertainty. Public anxiety about food security appears to have created fertile ground for these unsubstantiated claims to take root and proliferate.

Walmart operates more than 4,600 stores across the United States and serves approximately 240 million customers weekly. The retailer accounts for roughly 26% of all grocery sales nationwide, making it the country’s largest food retailer.

“We’re aware of the rumors online,” the Walmart spokesperson added, “but we want to reassure everyone that Walmart stores are open and ready to serve their communities.”

The company is urging customers to rely on official statements rather than unverified social media claims as the situation with federal funding continues to develop.