Food - News
How Supply Chain Issues Have Caused Walmart Surpluses
By HANNAH BEACH
In the past few months, Walmart has been packed with pallets upon pallets of overstocked items. While Walmart isn’t the only store currently plagued with overstock issues, the chain appears to be struggling to reduce its inventory in a way that won’t affect its profits, or its employees.
Before the inflation crisis hit, companies were in overdrive producing items that were in high demand during the lockdown — like exercise equipment, office supplies, and clothes. However, the inflation crisis forced people to buy only the necessities, leaving the pandemic's favorites to pile up in stores.
To worsen the situation, Walmart’s inventory system automatically orders supplies, even when they’re not required. For employees, though, this means overcrowded stockrooms, pallets blocking breast-feeding rooms and restrooms, and safety hazards — pushing many to consider quitting.