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.
