Walmart is an American multinational retail corporation that operates a chain of discount department stores, hypermarkets and grocery stores. They have a massive global presence with 11,618 stores in 27 countries, including all 50 US states. Recently, Walmart announced that it was closing 299 stores around the globe with 154 of them in the US. Here is the complete list of Walmart locations closing by the end of March.
Understanding the Motives for Stores Closing
In many cases, Walmart stores are closing due to low sales volume or the need to rationalize their real estate holdings in an ever-changing retail market. In some cases, Walmart stores are shutting down in order to streamline their business operations to avoid operating stores in unfavorable markets.
Types of Stores That Are Closing
The impacted stores that are closing by the end of March are in the following categories:
• Discount stores
• Supercenters
• Neighborhood markets
• Sam’s Club
A List of States Where Walmart Stores Are Closing in the U.S.
Walmart stores are closing in various states across the U.S. Here is a list of states with stores closing:
• Alabama
• Arkansas
• Delaware
• Florida
• Georgia
• Iowa
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Kansas
• Louisiana
• Maryland
• Michigan
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• North Carolina
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• Nevada
• New York
• Oklahoma
• Pennsylvania
• South Carolina
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Virginia
• West Virginia
The Impact of the Walmart Store Closing on Individual States
The closure of these Walmart stores has had a ripple effect throughout many states in the U.S. The company stated that 15,000 employees directly employed at those store locations will be affected, many of them being long-time employees.
• In Alabama, 11 stores are closing, resulting in 700 layoffs.
• In Georgia, 12 stores are closing and 740 workers have been laid off.
• In Oklahoma, four stores are closing and 280 employees have been impacted.
• In Texas, 25 stores have closed, putting 3,800 out of work.
• In Tennessee, 8 stores have closed and 540 employees have been affected.
Impact of the Closures on Local Communities
When the news of store closures was announced, it created great anxiety and concern, not only for workers facing potential layoffs, but also for the customers and local communities that rely upon these stores for access to affordable goods.
• In Nevada, the closure of the Winnemucca Wal-Mart had an immediate impact on local businesses, customers and the overall economy.
• In Michigan, the closure of the three stores left many of the small towns facing job losses and the loss of vital local businesses.
• In Illinois, the closure of two stores impacted nearly 500 employees and caused disruption to their daily lives.
• In Florida, the closure of six stores was especially troubling for those living in rural areas, where shopping at Walmarts was often the only option.
Implications of Store Closures on Walmart’s Global Footprint
The store closures is a sign of the changing times within the retail industry. Walmart is still the leader in physical retail globally, but it is facing increasing competition from e-commerce merchants like Amazon. As Walmart’s overall store count shrinks it may have to re-evaluate its global strategy in certain markets in order to stay competitive.
Walmart’s recent store closures have had a massive impact on the retail industry, employee workforce and the customers who rely upon these stores for access to goods. Walmart is still the leader in physical retail globally, but it is facing increasing competition from e-commerce merchants like Amazon. As Walmart’s overall store count shrinks it may have to re-evaluate its global strategy in certain markets in order to stay competitive and take advantage of e-commerce opportunities.
