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Walmart Denies Closure Rumors Amid TikTok Scare

10/28/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Walmart spokesperson Joe Pennington said Walmart will remain open on November 1, 2025, debunking rumors that it would close stores and switch to online orders.
The rumor spread on TikTok and Instagram, with posts referencing looting amid a government shutdown affecting food benefits.
The spread likely originated from misleading headlines and AI-generated news reports.
Earlier claims about Walmart closing stores in red states after the 2024 election were also unfounded.

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Story summary

Walmart spokesperson Joe Pennington said Walmart will remain open on November 1, 2025, debunking rumors that it would close stores and switch to online orders.
The rumor spread on TikTok and Instagram, with posts referencing looting amid a government shutdown affecting food benefits.
The spread likely originated from misleading headlines and AI-generated news reports.
Earlier claims about Walmart closing stores in red states after the 2024 election were also unfounded.