The move also marks the end of its pilot Wal-Mart Express program, a bid to create a network of small corner stores that began in 2011.
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Walmart is closing 269 stores globally, including 154 in the USA, as part of a single wave of store closings.
Charleston Mayor Sherman Hiatt said the city’s sales tax revenue has increased over the past year, in large part to the new Walmart store that opened up at 814 W. Main St. The company said it would try to place workers in nearby locations, estimating that 95 percent of the closed stores in the United States are on average within 10 miles of another that it owns. The stores are about 12,000 square feet and sell essentials like toothpaste. 23 Neighborhood Markets, 12 U.S. supercenters, seven Puerto Rico locations, six discount stores, and four Sam’s Club locations will also be closing, according to the company press release. Wal-00Mart’s total store count worldwide is 11,600.
“Walmart has been working aggressively to grow its e-commerce presence and digital services, plus upgrade stores and provide shoppers with a more pleasant experience”, states the article.
“We are committed to growing, but we are being disciplined about it”, said McMillon.
Other associates will receive 60 days of pay and eligible employees will receive severance, Wal-Mart officials said. “This decision will not affect our three existing stores and we look forward to continue serving these customers in the future”.
The remaining 115 locations to close are spread over Latin America, mostly in Brazil.
California Wal-Mart stores to be closed are in Los Angeles, Long Beach, Oakland and San Jose. A majority of the closing stores are the 102 test stores called Walmart Express.
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Wal-Mart officials said the closure of more than 269 stores worldwide was needed to maintain the company’s business position and will ensure the company can adapt with new retail realities, like online shopping. “We spent considerable time assessing our stores and clubs and don’t’ take this lightly”. Approximately 16,000 Walmart employees, or “associates”, will be impacted by the closures. During the same period, its subsidiary, Sam’s Club aims to inaugurate its stores in seven to 10 different new locations.
