Employees at Target and Walmart say prices are spiking by up to 240% overnight on everyday products, and these increases are not isolated. The staff also revealed that the price hikes have been happening across the country, leaving even the shoppers shocked. In some cases, the same items have seen their prices increase multiple times within days. Workers say that these hikes are happening without prior notice and that price tags are being swapped even during store hours.
According to Walmart associates, entire product categories, especially snacks, home goods, and toys, are being priced at scale. One worker at Walmart said that he witnessed over 600 price updates in just one department in a day. Similar patterns have been witnessed at Target with some items like a toddler’s ring-stacking toy increasing from $5.88 to $19.97, which is a 240% increase. The toy is currently priced online at $8.23.
The price hikes coincide with political and economic developments such as the new tariffs proposed by President Donald Trump. Since announcing these import taxes on “Liberation Day” at the start of April, Trump raged at companies, directing them not to raise their prices.
“Walmart should STOP trying to blame Tariffs as the reason for spiking prices,” he posted last month. “Between Walmart and China, they should, as is said, ‘EAT THE TARIFFS,’ and not charge valued customers ANYTHING. I’ll be watching, and so will your customers!”
Retail insiders say that this is not the case on the ground as many businesses are adjusting their pricing structures in anticipation of or in direct response to new costs of import following the new tariffs. Online price-tracking platforms such as AisleGopher.com and community reports on TikTok and Reddit have confirmed that prices have been increased.
According to AisleGopher.com, a roll of Scotch tape, which was previously priced at $4.24, is now selling for $9.94, which is a 134% increase. A pack of Goldfish crackers, which was priced at $6.98, now sells for $9.94. Though price fluctuations in retail are not uncommon, the volume and scale reported suggest a concentrated effort to realign prices across all product categories.
Retail Executives Acknowledge Tariff Impact
John David Rainey, the CFO of Walmart, has stated publicly that the company will not be able to cover all costs associated with tariffs. The CEO of Target, Brian Cornell, confirmed in May that the company would start increasing the prices of goods due to the rising operational and supply-chain costs. He also reiterated that this was the last resort. He also said that the company would try out ways of offsetting the new import costs.
A Walmart spokesperson told Business Insider in a statement that the company would work to keep its prices as low as possible as long as possible, given the limitations of small retail margins.
Although Walmart has emphasized that about 60% of its merchandise is made in the U.S, the remaining 40% is still vulnerable to tariff-related price adjustments. These products include tools, toys, consumer electronics, and many clothing items.
The 10% baseline tariff and the possible 60% tariff on Chinese imports proposed by Trump have created uncertainty within the retail industry. This means that companies that rely heavily on foreign products will be forced to hike their prices if tariffs are enacted.
Conclusion
Although broader inflation statistics haven’t yet caught up, confessions from Walmart and Target workers about the price hikes are signalling a rapid price acceleration. If the tariffs proposed by President Trump are implemented, the prices of most goods could rise even higher. The price hikes should serve as a warning sign, and American families should prepare for continued surprises as the retail landscape shifts.