Local Walmart Express stores to close by end of the month

The Walmart Express pilot program will come to an end, following a decision by Walmart to close 269 stores worldwide, including 102 of the smallest format stores, according to a company statement on Jan. 15. 154 locations across the United States will be closed, including three local Neighborhood Market stores. The company made the decision following a review of Oct. 2015 review, which took into account a number of factors, including financial performance and strategic alignment with longterm plans. “Actively managing our portfolio of assets is essential to maintaining a healthy business,” said Doug McMillon, president and CEO, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. “Closing stores is never an easy decision, but it is necessary to keep the company strong and positioned for the future. It’s important to remember that we’ll open well more than 300 stores around the world next year. So we are committed to growing, but we are being disciplined about it.” The Walmart Express format has been in pilot since 2011, and the three local stores that will be closed all opened within the past year. Instead of continuing the Express pilot plan, Walmart will focus on strengthening Supercenters, optimizing Neighborhood Markets, growing the e-commerce business and expanding Pickup services for customers. Walmart has pledged to assist the associates who will be affected by the closures, according to information released by the company. About 10,000 employees in the United States will be affected, but, with 95 percent of the closed stores within a 10- mile average distance from another Walmart location, the hopes are that many associates will be placed at nearby locations. If a relocation is not possible, the company is providing 60 days’ pay, and severance, if eligible. The company will also provide resume and interview skills training. According to the corporate statement, “Whether with Walmart or elsewhere, the company’s objective is to help all associates find their next job opportunity.” “The decision to close stores is difficult and we care about the associates who will be impacted,” McMillon said. “We invested considerable time assessing our stores and clubs and don’t take this lightly. We are supporting those impacted with extra pay and support, and we will take all appropriate steps to ensure they are treated well.” When asked about the closures, Hughes Springs City Manager George Fite said, “Hughes Springs City officials are terribly saddened by the loss of jobs, and the fact that a business is closing its doors.” Fite also mentioned concern over the buildings that would be vacated once the stores closed. Through communication with Walmart, it was learned that Walmart owns all the locations of stores to be sold, and they will likely sell or lease those properties.

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