Walmart denies viral TikTok rumors about store closures over SNAP

Walmart is pushing again towards viral social media rumors falsely claiming the retail large plans to shut shops on account of looting threats associated to a doable lapse in federal meals help funding.

The rumors have unfold throughout TikTok because the federal authorities shutdown enters its fifth week and threatens to disrupt federal packages, together with the Supplemental Vitamin Help Program (SNAP), which gives meals help to greater than 40 million Individuals.

“These claims are false and we’ll stay open for enterprise,” a Walmart spokesperson advised FOX Enterprise in an e-mail.

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A Walmart retailer is proven in Oceanside, California on Might 15, 2025. Walmart is pushing again towards viral social media rumors falsely claiming the retail large plans to shut shops amid looting threats tied to a doable lapse in federal meals help (Mike Blake/Reuters)

A extensively circulated TikTok video falsely claimed that Walmart would shut all of its shops on November 1 and solely permit clients to put orders on-line.

The video — which acquired greater than 570,000 views and 40,000 likes as of Wednesday — claimed the corporate’s choice was on account of considerations about unrest if SNAP advantages had been minimize.

“The brokers made a risk to Walmart saying that if the federal government shuts down the meals provide, SNAP, they are going to go straight to Walmart to get every thing they want,” the person stated. “Now each Walmart has a police officer on standby.”

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Merchandise are displayed at a Walmart retailer in Oceanside, California on Might 15, 2025. Rumors have rapidly unfold throughout TikTok because the federal authorities shutdown enters its fifth week and threatens to disrupt federal packages. (Mike Blake/Reuters)

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One other person posted a video that has been seen nearly 250,000 instances claiming that clients ought to store solely on-line.

“Mr. Wally World stated you aren’t coming to his institution,” the person stated. “You are not going to destroy his nice firm.”

A 3rd TikTok person attracted 1.1 million views and 47,000 likes, with related claims that Walmart would restrict in-store procuring.

The U.S. Capitol on a cloudy day, amid the continued U.S. authorities shutdown, in Washington, D.C., Oct. 29, 2025. If Congress would not act, SNAP funding may run out on Nov. 1, jeopardizing a program that’s costing tens of billions of {dollars}. (Kylie Cooper/Reuters)

“Walmart stated they do not have time for that,” the person stated. “…You do not come right here with that foolishness.”

The rumors come as legislation enforcement officers in New York stated Walmart and different supermarkets have been focused with threats of mass looting associated to the doable finish of SNAP advantages. The New York Post reports this.

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If Congress would not act, SNAP funding may run out this Saturday, Nov. 1, jeopardizing a program that generates tens of billions of {dollars} in annual grocery spending throughout the nation.

TikTok didn’t instantly reply to FOX Enterprise’ request for remark.

Amanda Macias of FOX Enterprise contributed to this report.