Store Closures Not to Affect Local Walmart

BY MELANIE BUCK –

Global superstore giant Walmart has announced it will close 154 of its locations across the U.S. and 115 in other countries, with most closing their doors by January 28^th. The company is making a shift in focus to concentrate more on Supercenters and Neighborhood Markets.

Fortunately for Polk County residents, Mena Supercenter is not on the list. However, the closures will affect 16,000 workers globally, including 10,000 in the United States. Walmart said they will try to place employees in nearby locations. If they are unable to transfer, employees will be laid-off and given 60-days of pay along with resume and interview skills training.

All Walmart Express Stores will close, making up for 102 locations. Walmart officials stated that all closures were poor performers and most were within a 10-mile radius of another Walmart location. Sam’s Clubs will lose four locations and 12 Supercenters will close in the U.S.

Walmart CEO Doug McMillon said, “Closing stores is never an easy decision but it is necessary to keep the company strong and positioned for the future.” Amongst the closures, the company has also announced plans to open 300 new stores through 2017 including 60 Supercenters and 10 Sam’s Club stores in the U.S.

Arkansas will lose 11 locations in the cities of Mansfield, Mulberry, Charleston, Coal Hill, Van Buren, Damascus, Decatur, Gentry, Gravette, Maumelle, and Prairie Grove.

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Jeri Pearson

Jeri is the News Director for Pulse Multi-Media and Editor of The Polk County Pulse. She has 10 years of experience in community focused journalism and has won multiple press association awards.

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