The Globe and Mail reports in its Monday edition that results from Walmart and Target this week will offer a window into how consumers are dealing with higher inflation. Guest columnist Amber Kanwar writes that Walmart has been a beneficiary as consumers trade down but the Street is bracing for a deceleration with same-store sales expected to grow less than 4 per cent for the first time in two years. "Times like this is why you own the stock," wrote Bank of America's Christopher Nardone. "We expect the core Walmart consumer will prove resilient and think a prolonged period of macro volatility and higher gas prices can accelerate share gains as consumers hunt for value." Target is a different beast, more of a turnaround play. Shares have recovered 20 per cent in 2026 but are still down 54 per cent from the pandemic peak, compared with Walmart, which is near record highs. Same-store sales are only expected to grow 1.7 per cent, lower than Walmart, but would be the first positive print in a year. The results will also be a chance to hear from new chief executive officer Michael Fiddelke, who is only three months into the job. Target trades at just 14 times earnings compared with Walmart's 44 times.