Podcast Summary: Your Money Minute

Episode: The New Walmart 3/6/25
Host: Jessica Ettinger, CNBC
Guest: Stacey Widlitz, CEO, SW Retail Advisors
Date: March 6, 2025
Episode Length: 60 seconds (personal finance tip)

Overview

In this quick episode, Jessica Ettinger explores Walmart’s transformation and rising appeal to higher-income shoppers, even in the face of rising inflation. Retail expert Stacey Widlitz provides insights into why Walmart is now “the new Walmart,” successfully expanding its customer base and boosting its market performance.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

• Walmart’s Evolving Reputation

  • Walmart is being dubbed “the new Walmart” as it reinvents its shopper base and retail strategy.

    [00:09] Stacey Widlitz: “This is a new Walmart.”

• Appeal to Higher-Income Shoppers

  • Walmart continues to capture market share across all income brackets, particularly targeting those earning $100,000 or more annually.

    [00:13] Stacey Widlitz: “Walmart continues to gain share across all incomes, but specifically higher income.”

  • Value positioning is key, especially as inflation persists.

    [00:20] Jessica Ettinger: “Walmart's been luring in shoppers who make $100,000 a year and more… Positioning itself as the go to store for value in times of infl…”

• Retail Performance Driven by Inflation

  • Four straight months of rising inflation have highlighted Walmart’s value offerings, leading to increased patronage by wealthier shoppers.

    [00:37] Stacey Widlitz: “They have been on such a tear and that's what's driving the majority of their share gain.”

• Recent Stock Market Performance

  • Over the 12 months to February 24th, Walmart shares rose 60%. For the year, stocks were up almost 4%.

    [00:42] Jessica Ettinger: “Over the 12 month period through February 24th, Walmart shares were up 60% and for the year they were up almost 4%.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Stacey Widlitz on Walmart’s Momentum:

  [00:37] "They have been on such a tear and that's what's driving the majority of their share gain.”

• Jessica Ettinger on Targeting High Earners:

  [00:20] "Walmart's been luring in shoppers who make $100,000 a year and more for some time now..."

• Market Snapshot:

  [00:42] "Over the 12 month period through February 24th, Walmart shares were up 60%..."

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:09 — Introduction of Stacey Widlitz and the “new Walmart”
• 00:13 — Explanation of market share gains among higher-income shoppers
• 00:20 — Discussion on inflation, value proposition, and upper-income demographics
• 00:37 — Driving force behind Walmart’s market share increases
• 00:42 — Recap of Walmart’s stock market performance over the past year

Conclusion

Walmart’s strategic shift is drawing more affluent customers, thanks to persistent inflation and a sharpened focus on value. This episode highlights how the retailer’s evolving identity, improved market strategy, and robust financial performance are making it a destination for shoppers of all incomes—especially those once considered unlikely customers.

For more on Walmart and retail: cnbc.com