Rumors that Walmart will "lock their doors" on Nov. 1 due to SNAP benefits facing cuts during the government shutdown have sparked a flurry of TikTok claims that the retail giant will only allow online orders and parking lot pickups. The online ire has been fueled by unverified claims that those losing SNAP benefits planned to "loot" Walmart stores, leading to their closure.

Two TikTok videos, with a combined 1.7 million-plus views as of Oct. 28, have amplified rumors that all Walmart stores will close Nov. 1, with doors "locked" and shoppers only allowed to place online orders for parking lot pickup. One TikTok video with over 1.1 million views as of Oct. 28, posted by @uncutrealness, claims Walmart's "decision" came after "y'all keep acting a fool and saying what y'all gonna do when y'all don't get your SNAP benefits."

The second video, posted by @kavellkavon on TikTok, claims "the brokies made a threat to Walmart" that they would "go straight to Walmart for everything they need." Brokies is a slang term, often used in a derogatory way, to describe those with little or no money.

Here's what we know about Walmart's response to the claims, how and why the rumors started, and why the claims have been entirely misunderstood.

Are Walmart closing stores in November 2025?

No, Walmart is not "locking" their doors nor are any Walmart stores closing their doors on Nov. 1, 2025, due to any reasons related to the government shutdown, SNAP cuts, or any alleged rumors of planned thefts or loots. A Walmart spokesperson told Snopes this week Walmart will remain open for business on Nov. 1, 2025.

Unverified social media claims have swirled online, fed by two now-viral videos from users @uncutrealness and @kavellkavon that claim SNAP beneficiaries, or those that use food stamps, had "threatened" to loot Walmart, with rumors the retail giant had allegedly "announced" it had to "close stores" and revert to online only shopping for all customers, with parking lot pickup only. Those claims are unverified, and Snopes attempted to reach out to both users, with no response as of Oct. 28.

Is Walmart closing November 1 due to SNAP?

No, Walmart is not closing stores on Nov. 1, 2025, in response to social media videos claiming SNAP beneficiaries made "threats" to steal or loot from Walmart amid the government shutdown. Any and all claims on TikTok are unverified.

In a viral video with nearly 1 million views, TikTok user @kavellkavon claimed "every Walmart has a police officer on standby" and might not open doors until the "situation has passed," referencing claims those using food stamps had planned to surge to their nearest Walmart.

Who started the rumors of Walmart stores closing?

Rumors of Walmart closing stores stem from at least two viral videos from @uncutrealness and @kevallkavon, which have combined garnered over 1.7 million views as of Oct. 28. These likely fueled heightened fears over SNAP and WIC benefits facing cuts during the government shutdown.

Walmart is one of the largest grocery retailers that processing SNAP EBT transactions, which are cards similar to debit cards used to purchase food and other basic necessities. Walmart accounts for 24% of SNAP shoppers' total spending, Newsweek reports.

What is SNAP?

SNAP stands for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, a federal program that provides low-income families monthly benefits to afford healthy food. Known as food stamps, SNAP benefits provides for about 42 million people in the U.S., according to the USDA.

Will SNAP benefits be issued November 1?

There will not be enough funding to pay the entirely of SNAP benefits in November if the shutdown continues, the USDA said in a letter dated Oct. 10. Millions of people are at risk of losing critical food assistance, although it's important to note that while benefits are funded at the federal level, each state is responsible for distributing those benefits to residents. That means that if one state makes an announcement about delays, cuts, or schedule changes, it only applies to those living in that state.

Lori Comstock is a New Jersey-based journalist with the Mid-Atlantic Connect Team.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Is Walmart closing Nov. 1? TikTok amplifies rumors amid SNAP benefit cuts

Reporting by Lori Comstock, USA TODAY NETWORK / NorthJersey.com

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect