Walmart Denies Viral TikTok Rumors of November 1 Store Closures

Walmart Debunks Viral Rumors of Nationwide Store Closures Amid SNAP Funding Concerns

Walmart has forcefully denied widespread social media claims that its stores would close on November 1 due to concerns over potential unrest related to federal food assistance funding. The retail giant confirmed this week that all locations will remain open and operating normally, contradicting viral TikTok videos that had sparked concern among shoppers nationwide.

“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 misinformation spread rapidly across TikTok in recent days, with multiple videos garnering hundreds of thousands of views. One particularly viral post, which accumulated more than 500,000 views, falsely claimed Walmart planned to close all physical stores and pivot exclusively to online sales “to prevent chaos.” Another video, exceeding one million views, alleged that Walmart’s supposed decision came after “the brokies made a threat to go straight to Walmart when food benefits stop.”

Some posts escalated the claims further, suggesting police officers had already been stationed at every Walmart location in anticipation of potential looting—another assertion the company has confirmed is untrue.

The false rumors emerged amid growing public anxiety over the ongoing government shutdown, now in its fifth week, which threatens to disrupt the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The vital program provides food assistance to more than 40 million Americans and represents a significant portion of grocery spending across the country.

TikTok has since removed several of the misleading videos, citing violations of its Community Guidelines that prohibit spreading misinformation capable of causing public panic or harm. The platform has also adjusted its search algorithms to limit the visibility of similar false claims.

According to The New York Post, law enforcement officials acknowledged that Walmart and other major retailers have received general threats about potential theft if SNAP payments are interrupted. However, no credible incidents have been confirmed, and no special security measures have been implemented.

Retail analysts note that Walmart has particular significance in this conversation because the company serves as a primary grocery source for many SNAP recipients. In rural areas especially, Walmart often functions as the only major grocery retailer within reasonable distance for families relying on food assistance.

“The relationship between SNAP benefits and major retailers is substantial,” explains retail analyst Tiffany Hogan of Kantar Consulting. “Any disruption to SNAP funding would disproportionately impact retailers with higher percentages of customers who utilize the program, with Walmart being among the most exposed.”

The federal government has warned that SNAP funding could potentially run out by early November if Congress fails to reach a budget agreement. However, no retailers, including Walmart, have announced operational changes in response to this possibility.

Walmart has confirmed that all locations will continue accepting SNAP payments as usual and emphasized that its stores will maintain normal operating hours. The company serves roughly 230 million customers weekly across its approximately 10,500 stores worldwide, making any operational changes highly significant for millions of shoppers.

The misinformation campaign highlights the increasing challenge major retailers face in combating false information on social platforms. Walmart’s quick response demonstrates how companies now must actively monitor social channels for potentially damaging rumors and respond swiftly to prevent unnecessary public concern.

“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.”

For now, the company is urging customers to rely on official statements rather than unverified social media claims when seeking information about store operations and policies.