Walmart is at a significant crossroads, where despite having sales growth, it faces significant pressures on its margins that have resulted in a drop in its net profit during the third quarter of 2024. The company reported an 8% increase in revenue and a 6.5% growth in operating cash flow, earning almost 230,194 million pesos and 24,455 million pesos, respectively.
Despite this, net profit fell by 5.1%, closing the quarter at 12,934 million pesos, indicating that sales growth is not enough to offset high operating costs and the upward pressures that affected various product categories. This scenario shows a frequent challenge in retail, where fierce competition and changing consumer behavior force companies to adapt their strategies to maintain profitability.
In this regard, Walmart maintains its vision of expanding and improving the shopping experience, investing 34.5 billion pesos this year to open new stores and strengthen its e-commerce platform. At the same time, the company has identified opportunities to improve its environment through customer knowledge and the search for solutions that better meet their needs. This anticipatory approach is very important, since modern consumers constantly seek individualized and efficient experiences, which means that companies must quickly adapt to these expectations.
The focus in Mexico has been notable, where revenue growth of 6.1% and same-store sales growth of 4.5% were reported, driven primarily by higher average ticket sales, although there is a slight decrease in customer traffic. This reflects that, while revenue is increasing, the frequency of purchase and the flow of consumers could be areas that Walmart should review and improve.
An interesting point highlighted in the financial report is the performance of different formats within Walmart, with Sam’s Club leading the increase in same-store sales. This detail highlights the importance of diversifying offerings to meet the needs of different segments of shoppers. In addition, categories such as grocery and home continue to drive positive results, while apparel experiences more moderate growth. This suggests that the company is well positioned in key segments, although it must be cautious about how categories that represent a lower sales volume perform. Seasonal strategies also play an important role, and events such as Back to School and national holidays were key to generating notable growth in certain categories, demonstrating that the relevance of seasonal events can be key in times of economic pressure.
Walmart is also investing in the implementation of technology and digitalization to improve the customer experience. The introduction of digital tickets and the “Pronto” fast delivery service at Sam’s Club are examples of how the company is modernizing its operations to streamline access and convenience for consumers. Opting for financial solutions, such as credit and the use of innovative payment methods, consolidates the company’s commitment to digital evolution and the acquisition of a broader customer base.
This perspective is not only necessary to stay in the competition, but also to increase the average ticket and purchase frequency, a decisive factor to offset the pressure on margins.
In Central America, despite the fact that the increase in same-store sales was more moderate (3.7%), the company has managed to strengthen its operation by opening new stores and experiencing significant progress in its advertising division and in the approval of its new payment technologies.
Walmart’s presence in the region, with a simultaneous focus on e-commerce and strategic store openings, suggests that the company is trying to consolidate its market and take advantage of growth opportunities. The opening of stores with a high percentage of female talent and with an inclusive approach also highlights corporate social responsibility initiatives that can increase brand loyalty and prestige in the community.
What is Sam’s Club?
Sam’Online club is a self-service club and a warehouse store by wholesale and semi-wholesale membership. Its sales area is usually 7,000 to 11,000 square meters. This type of store system is mainly for households and institutional customers (hotels, hospitals, small businesses and restaurants) with large sales volume.consumption.
They present products in large warehouses and/or multiple packages, working with large purchases and low marketing margins. They handle 5,000 SKUs from the grocery, perishable products, clothing and general merchandise, pick up, sams smart tv refrigerators and hot sale club departments, for the enjoyment of their customers.
