Walmart reports strong US sales as it retreats from some overseas markets

Walmart scored another round of strong earnings Tuesday as it sharpens its focus on e-commerce growth and retreats from some overseas markets as the coronavirus roils the retail economy.

The world’s biggest retailer enjoyed another quarter of lofty US sales, although the gains moderated from earlier in the pandemic when rival “non-essential” retailers were closed and shoppers were boosted by US government stimulus funds.

Executives said the pandemic had hastened shifts towards “omnichannel” retail that meets the needs of consumers who want to shop at home or retrieve packages at stores after ordering them online.