Walmart Grabs More Grocery Share in Q4

Americans continue to cram Walmart's physical and digital stores, in a sign that higher prices and inventory challenges are not dampening consumer enthusiasm for shopping.

For the fourth quarter ended Jan. 28, U.S. same-store sales (excluding fuel) at Walmart were up 5.6%. The retailer said comps reflected strong in-store traffic aided by robust consumer spending and a strong holiday. Comp sales were up 14.2% on a two-year stack basis, and January was the strongest month of the quarter. Traffic was up 3.1% during the quarter, and average ticket was up 2.4%.

The retailer said its grocery comps increased by the high single digits, with sales growth and market share gains aided by slightly wider price gaps than pre-pandemic levels and expanded omni offerings; on a two-year stacked basis, sales increased by a mid-teens percentage. Food categories increased in the high-teens percentage on a two-year stack. Consumables reflected strength in pet categories, baby products and beauty, the company said.