Walmart enters 2026 with strong store traffic and sales momentum, while Target faces ongoing struggles to reignite consumer demand. Placer.ai data shows Walmart’s visits rose through the fourth quarter and into January, contrasting with Target’s broader decline despite a slight uptick likely aided by calendar effects.
Key Takeaways
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Walmart’s momentum continues: Visits increased 2.3% year over year in Q4 and 4.1% in January.
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Target’s recovery uncertain: Under new CEO Michael Fiddelke, traffic fell 2% in Q4, with only modest January gains tied partly to an extra weekend day.
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Weekend trends diverge: Walmart’s steady weekend traffic underscores essential retail strength, while Target’s weekend decline points to weaker discretionary spending.
