Mark Cuban warns shoppers to ‘go to Walmart’ and buy essentials before Trump’s tariffs spike prices

WASHINGTON, DC: Billionaire Mark Cuban warned consumers that they should "go to Walmart now" and buy essentials before President Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs lead to price rise.

He shared his expert advice on Thursday, April 3, on managing the reciprocal tariffs after the president's bombshell 'Liberation Day' announcement, according to the US Sun.

Mark Cuban's advice after Donald Trump's tariff announcement

After Donald Trump imposed a minimum 10 percent tax on nearly every good imported to the US, Mark Cuban took to the social media platform Bluesky to share his advice for the common people.

He wrote in his post, "It's not a bad idea to go to the local Walmart or big box retailer and buy lots of consumables now. From toothpaste to soap, anything you can find storage space for, buy before they have to replenish inventory."

"Even if it's made in the USA , they will jack up the price and blame it on tariffs," he added in his post.

Trump announced on Wednesday, April 2, that the taxes would start on Saturday, April 5, and called them "our declaration of economic independence", per the outlet.

Notably, Trump's announcement has caused an economic shakeup, as the stock market slumped on Wednesday and trade tensions reached a new high.

Meanwhile, Walmart bosses feared for shelf prices when the POTUS initially announced his plans to implement a 25 percent tariff on Mexican and Canadian imports, and an additional 10 percent on China.

Last month, Walmart's chief financial officer John David Rainey informed CNBC that Walmart was "not going to be completely immune" from changing trade conditions, per the US Sun.

Rainey said, "We’ve lived in a tariff environment for the last seven or eight years, and we’ll do what we know how to do."

He added, "We’ll work with suppliers. We’ll lean into our private brand. We’ll shift supply where necessary to try to take advantage of lower costs that we can then pass on to consumers."

Walmart's CEO Doug McMillon agreed but added that the supermarket could manage tariffs "really well" as most of its products are made in the US, per the outlet.

Internet divided over Mark Cuban's 'go to Walmart' advice

People on the internet stayed divided and shared mixed reactions as Mark Cuban advised people to "go to Walmart" and buy a lot of consumables before Donald Trump's tariffs lead to rise in prices.

A user commented on his post, "If you can afford to do this - donate a big chunk to your local food bank - Millions of people will have no other choice but to line up for help."

Another added, "Stocking up and sharing with your neighbors is a valid idea. We need to look out for one another now."

A person stated, "I totally get it! Most people know someone with a membership, and a group can split the bulk goods. Some minor networking means we can support our cause and ourselves at the same time!"

A comment read, "Heading there now!"

An individual said, "I'd rather have a root canal than shop at Walmart!" 

Another commented, "Why Walmart or a big box store? Why not your local, independent grocery store, butcher, or farmer?"

A person wrote, "It is ALWAYS a bad idea to shop at Walmart", whereas one mentioned, "Prepping is different than hoarding. It's the responsibility of everyone to know the difference."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.