Economists have blamed the highest inflation in 40 years as a key reason for the job market cool-off. Walmart chief executive Doug McMillon said in a report last month that increasing prices of necessities such as food and fuel were forcing consumers to spend less on other goods such as apparel. He said the company would go heavy on discounts to push general merchandise into shopping carts, a tactic that lowers profits. In the same report, Walmart said its operating income for the second quarter and full year would decline by up to 14% and 13%, respectively. The report sent Walmart's stocks into a drop, as well as those of other retailers. Target shares fell 3.6% ; Best Buy, 5.1% ; Amazon, 5.2% ; Dollar Tree, 6.3% ; Macy's, 7.2% ; and Kohl's, 8.9%.