The U.S. Is Shutting Down. For Walmart, It’s Time to Step Up (2)

With anxious shoppers hoarding everyday goods and non-essential stores shuttered, the coronavirus pandemic presents a never-before-seen crisis for American retailers. Walmart Inc. appears better prepared to deal with it than its peers.

Hefty investment in e-commerce, health care and its 1.5-million strong workforce have the world’s largest retailer poised to supply large swaths of the nation as governments and other businesses grapple to respond to the unprecedented threat. Rival Amazon.com Inc. stands to benefit as well, but Walmart can leverage its store network and clout with suppliers to gain a leg up.

Even so, the challenge of stocking the nation ...