False claims about Walmart shutdown spread across social media
A viral rumor circulating online has sparked widespread confusion among American shoppers, claiming that Walmart will close all stores on November 1 due to the end of SNAP benefits amid a government shutdown. The speculation, which spread rapidly across TikTok, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter), suggested that the retail giant was preparing to “shift entirely to online operations.”
However, a recent fact check by Hindustan Times confirms that the claims are completely false. Walmart has not announced any closures — and no credible evidence supports the claim that stores will shut down or transition to an online-only model on November 1.
“Viral rumors claiming Walmart will close all stores on Nov 1 due to SNAP benefit lapses are false,” the report states. “The company hasn’t announced any shutdown or closures.”
The rumor has been labeled as misinformation, likely originating from speculation surrounding the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and potential delays in electronic benefit transfers (EBT) during the government shutdown.
How the rumor started
The false claim began spreading over the weekend of October 26–27, 2025, when several social media posts alleged that SNAP benefits would run out due to a temporary suspension of federal operations. Some posts even suggested that Walmart feared potential looting from affected customers and therefore planned to close its stores nationwide.
These posts were amplified by conspiracy-focused accounts, with misleading videos racking up millions of views. One viral TikTok video claimed Walmart employees had “confirmed” that the stores would close at midnight on October 31 — a statement proven untrue.
In reality, Walmart has not made any public statement linking its operations to SNAP or the government shutdown. All Walmart locations remain open and continue to operate normally.
Walmart’s official position
As of late October 2025, Walmart has issued no announcements about temporary or permanent closures related to government benefits. The company continues to serve customers both in-store and online, maintaining its regular business hours.
Walmart, the largest private employer in the United States with over 1.6 million U.S. employees, also remains one of the biggest participants in the SNAP retail network, processing billions in EBT transactions annually.
A spokesperson from Walmart declined to comment on the rumors but emphasized that the company routinely debunks misinformation and that all operational updates are shared through official channels.
The SNAP connection explained
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides food benefits to over 40 million Americans through EBT cards. During times of federal budget uncertainty, online speculation often arises about interruptions in benefit payments — and this has repeatedly led to false claims about retail closures.
In this case, the rumor combined concerns about SNAP payment delays with Walmart’s prominence in the grocery industry, creating a perfect storm of misinformation.
Hindustan Times noted that these claims mirror similar rumors seen in 2023 and 2024, where users spread fake news about retail stores preparing for “shutdowns” due to alleged safety or payment issues — all of which turned out to be baseless.
Why misinformation spreads so fast
Experts say misinformation thrives during government shutdowns and times of economic anxiety. The rumor that “Walmart is closing November 1st” likely spread because it tapped into fears about access to food and essential goods.
Social media algorithms that prioritize engagement can unintentionally amplify sensational content, especially when it’s tied to major brands like Walmart.
“False rumors about major companies tend to spread faster than official corrections,” said a digital media analyst. “People share emotionally charged posts without verifying them.”
The Walmart closing November 1st story is a textbook case of this phenomenon — a baseless claim gaining massive reach before credible outlets could correct it.
The truth: Walmart is not closing on November 1
To put the rumor to rest: Walmart is not closing on November 1, 2025. There is no credible evidence, official statement, or government link between SNAP benefit schedules and Walmart’s operations.
All Walmart stores in the U.S. will remain open on and after November 1, operating under regular business hours. Customers can continue shopping in-store and online as usual.
Hindustan Times emphasized that the false claim stemmed from unverified social media chatter and should be ignored.
Conclusion
The “is Walmart closing November 1st” rumor is false — another example of how quickly misinformation can spread online during uncertain times. Walmart continues to operate normally, and SNAP benefits remain active across authorized retailers.
Before sharing alarming claims on social media, experts urge consumers to verify information using credible news outlets or company announcements.
For more verified business and consumer news, visit StartupNews.fyi.
