Walmart to lay off or relocate more than 800 workers

Employees in Hoboken, N.J., Charlotte, N.C. and San Bruno, Calif., are affected by potential layoffs or relocation.

2/14/2025

More than 800 employees at three Walmart regional facilities are facing potential layoffs, but some workers may decide to relocate, per a Supermarket News report.

In Hoboken, N.J, 481 employees are affected; 267 in Charlotte, N.C.; and 79 in San Bruno, Calif., per the report, which also noted that regional offices will stay open in Hoboken and San Bruno.

The Charlotte office will be closed.

The effective date listed in all three WARN (Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification) notices that were filed with the state labor departments in New Jersey, North Carolina, and California is June 13, per the report.

A Walmart spokesperson shared with Drug Store News a recent memo from Donna Morris, chief people officer, which said:

"Last year, we shared some changes related to locations for office-based associates that were intended to increase collaboration, innovation and speed. We shared the decision that we would have our Home Office in Bentonville and some specific roles in Hoboken/New York City and the San Francisco Bay Area. There are some exciting developments for our offices as we invest to position ourselves for the future. This includes the Home Office in Bentonville, where we’ve begun opening buildings, as well as new office spaces opening later this year in Sunnyvale, Calif., and Bellevue, Wash., and efforts to expand and upgrade our office in Hoboken, N.J., as well as our Fashion office in New York City. Our values and culture are strategic differentiators for us as a company, and they are fostered by being together. We’ve already seen the benefits of having more teams working together in person, and today we are sharing another step that will help accelerate our momentum."

The memo went on to say, "As part of our location strategy, we’re asking some of our office-based associates in Hoboken and associates within some of our smaller offices to relocate to work more closely with their teams in Bentonville and Sunnyvale. We are making these changes to put key capabilities together, encouraging speed and shared understanding. Through this review process, we have eliminated some roles as we streamline how we work and will also be exiting our office in Charlotte, N.C. We have had discussions with those who are directly impacted and are working closely with all affected associates to help them navigate the path forward, including providing relocation support or severance. If you have any questions, please let your people partner know."

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