Buyers turn away from Walmart - and Ozempic can be blamed

The CEO of the company claims that those who take the weight loss medication can buy less grocery store.


Walmart may have become the largest retailer in the country because of its wide selection of generalized articles and stores, but it is still not immune to the problems with which other companies are confronted. Modifications of the shop purchasing experience like self-treatment have led to the indignation of customers, while the new shopping models led the company to Close nearly two dozen stores In 2023. But now, buyers seem to be turning away from Walmart stores - and Ozempic can be blamed. Read the rest to see why the CEO of the company thinks that the popular weight loss medication affects sales.

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Walmart CEO says the data suggests that buyers can buy less grocery store thanks to Ozempic.

inside a walmart aisle
Pjiiijane / Shutterstock

While many buyers count on Walmart for everything, clothing and cosmetics to electronics and essential elements of everyday, the strength of his grocery store cannot be overlooked. The chain currently has the title of The largest supermarket chain in the United States And the world, with $ 393 billion in interior grocery sales in 2021, according to European supermarket magazine .

Due to his major position, the retailer is also particularly sensitive to generalized changes in consumer behavior. And during an interview of October 4 with Bloomberg ,, John Furner , The CEO of Walmart U.S. reduce sales food in its stores.

"We certainly see a slight change compared to the total population, we see a slight withdrawal in the overall basket," said Furner to the press. "Just fewer units, slightly fewer calories."

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New data could support Furner's theory that those who use drugs put less in their trolleys.

Dropout

CEO's statements are based on recent anonymous data collected on American customers, which has enabled the company to compare the purchasing habits of those who take medication compared to those who have not done so. However, he always declared during the interview that he was too early to conclude that the change in purchasing behavior was linked, Bloomberg reports. AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB

The study comes while large companies like Walmart are trying to ahead of the changes planned in spending habits. Drugs like ozempic work by imitate a natural hormone In our body which convinces the brain, we are full, and also by slowing down the digestion of the food that we have already eaten, according to UC Davis Health.

Some people think that the growing popularity of appetite suppressants could result in a slowdown in food sales, Morgan Stanley researchers providing that 24 million people - or 7% of the American population - will take the medication by 2035.

"The food, drinks and restaurant industries could see a softer demand, especially for unhealthy foods and options rich in fats, sweet and salty", " Pamela Kaufman , Tobacco and packaged food analyst for Morgan Stanley, said in a research note last month.

In relation: Buyers abandon Costco, reveal new data - this is why .

Some large food companies have already started to make changes for the future.

Man shopping at market grocery store
istock

However, Walmart’s conclusions can be the first red flag for food societies that have spent the last decade building towards a different future. Earlier this week, Iconic breakfast brand Kellogg's Turned from its range of cereals from its Snack Food division - which includes popular savory bite such as Cheez -Ists et Pringles - and renamed Kellanvoa, reports CNBC.

The last decision is based on previous data showing that young consumers are more likely to snack and eat more throughout this day than to take more complete and square meals, according to the Mint market company. However, research now suggests that an increase in diabetes and weight loss drugs like Ozempic could lead to a 3% or more reduction in sales of sweet and salty snacks, according to Morgan Stanley.

In relation: Walmart Worker makes a warning to buyers of self-truth .

Walmart will always see an increase in sales in other areas thanks to the popularity of drugs.

Mendoza, Argentina - January, 2020: Shopping cart on a parking lot in front of main entrance to Walmart supermarket outdoor on the street with no people. Big Walmart logo on blue background behind.
Dropout

However, others postpone the idea that the Light Bites category will be deeply affected by the expected increase in drug loss drug prescriptions. This includes Mark Smucker , CEO of the J.M. Smucker food and snacks company, who recently defended his business's decision to buy hostess brands and his beloved treats like Twinkies.

"There are several ways that consumers will continue to snack," Smucker said at a recent conference call with analysts by CNBC. "And since consumers will continue to look for all different types of snacks, and that soft snacks will continue to be on the radar, we see that our projections here are healthy."

And although GLP-1 and Ozempic drugs can potentially shave the sales of part of the Walmart wallet, they still strengthen another. The management of the company said that the sharp increase in their prescriptions has also resulted in a boom for retailer pharmacies, Bloomberg reports.

"We are still expecting food, consumables, health and well-being mainly due to the popularity of certain GLP-1 drugs to increase in percentage of the total in the back half," said Doug McMillon, CEO of Walmart Inc. Call.

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Categories: Smarter Living
Tags: medicine / News / / Shopping
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