Walmart's approach differs from tech companies but the outcome is identical. Their 2024 corporate restructuring eliminated roles in merchandising, marketing, and corporate operations—all areas where AI excels at optimization.
What Walmart's Moves Signal: - Pattern Recognition: AI can analyze purchase patterns across 4,700 stores faster than any merchandising team - Inventory Optimization: Machine learning predicts demand with 94% accuracy versus human planners' 68% - Price Optimization: Algorithmic pricing adjusts 50 million prices daily—impossible for human teams
The Hidden Opportunity: Every Walmart supplier now needs consultants who understand both AI capabilities and retail relationships. Current rate: $500-$1,500 per day.