Split Wallet: Walmart or Amazon? — PYMNTS.com

Mid-market retailers face growing pressure as consumer spending splits between essentials and indulgences. According to new findings, Amazon dominates discretionary purchases, while Walmart secures everyday essentials.

Key Takeaways

  • Walmart anchors essential spending: The retailer’s dominance in grocery and household necessities underscores its strength in the “need-based” half of consumer budgets.

  • Amazon captures discretionary spend: Amazon leads in high-margin categories like electronics, apparel, and hobby goods.

  • Mid-market retailers risk obsolescence: As consumers divide their shopping behavior between necessity and indulgence, retailers that fail to specialize in either could lose relevance.



Additional Resources:

8th & Walton’s Terry Clear on Walmart’s Grocery Leadership