Walmart's Secret Weapon: The Cake Decorators Making Bank During Graduation Season

Walmart's Cake Decorating Department: A Behind-the-Scenes Look North Bergen, NJ – In the bustling aisles of a North Bergen Walmart, a different kind of graduation celebration is underway. It's graduation season, and the nation's largest retailer is facing a surge in demand for custom cakes. AP retail reporter Anne D'Innocenzio recently went behind the scenes to experience the frenzy firsthand, receiving training from a Walmart cake decorator. D'Innocenzio's experience revealed the surprising complexity of the task. "I don't have any finesse here," she admitted, struggling with the intricate piping techniques. However, her efforts also highlighted the dedication and skill of Walmart's cake decorators. Melissa Fernandez, a cake decorator at the store, shared her perspective: "To be honest, I've seen worse." The video shows the sheer volume of cakes being produced, illustrating the significant increase in orders during graduation season. This surge in demand is not unique to this New Jersey store. Walmart employs approximately 6,200 cake decorators nationwide, and their work represents a surprisingly lucrative segment of the retail giant's business. The cake decorators are reportedly among the highest-paid hourly workers in a typical Walmart store, emphasizing the value placed on their expertise in meeting customer demand during peak seasons. The video offers a glimpse into a typically unseen aspect of Walmart's operations, revealing both the challenges and rewards of this specialized role.