Doug McMillon

“"It's very clear that AI is going to change literally every job. Maybe there's a job in the world that AI won't change, but I haven't thought of it." Walmart plans to keep its global headcount roughly flat at about 2.1 million over the next three years, even as revenue grows, with some jobs and tasks eliminated and new ones created.”

Doug McMillonCEO

President and CEO, Walmart (largest private employer in the United States)

Walmart's global headcount was about 2.1 million when the prediction was made; the flat-headcount horizon runs to roughly late 2028 and can be checked against Walmart's annual associate counts.

“"By the end of Fiscal Year 2026, Walmart believes roughly 65% of stores will be serviced by automation."”

Doug McMillonCEO

President and CEO, Walmart (largest private employer in the United States)

On the Q4 FY2026 earnings call (Feb. 19, 2026), CFO John David Rainey said approximately 60% of U.S. stores were receiving some freight from automated distribution centers — short of the 65% goal, and on a looser 'some freight' measure than 'serviced by automation.'

“"By the end of Fiscal Year 2026... approximately 55% of the fulfillment center volume will move through automated facilities, and unit cost averages could improve by approximately 20%."”

Doug McMillonCEO

President and CEO, Walmart (largest private employer in the United States)

At the end of FY2026, Walmart reported roughly 50% of U.S. e-commerce fulfillment center volume was automated — short of the 55% target — though the company says automation is delivering better unit productivity and lower cost to serve; the 20% unit-cost improvement has not been separately disclosed.