Walmart announced they will be closing four locations in Chicago on Sunday. Furthermore, the company plans on closing 16 additional retail locations across the United States. They have cited poor financial performance as the reason behind the closures.
The retail giant has closed a small number of its stores across the United States each year. Every time Walmart cites underperformance as a reason without giving any other specifics.
Additionally, after nine years Walmart will be closing its two pick-up-only locations in Arkansas and Illinois. Moreover, the company will be laying off hundreds of employees at five e-commerce fulfillment centers across the U.S.
Walmart Closures Close to Home
The four stores closing in Chicago are located at:
- 8431 South Stewart Avenue.
- 4720 South Cottage Grove Avenue.
- 2844 North Broadway.
- 2551 West Cermak Road.
Furthermore, the company will be closing these Illinois locations:
- 17550 South Halsted Street, Homewood.
- 12690 South Route 59, Plainfield.
- 840 North McCormick Boulevard, Lincolnwood. This location was the pick-up-only spot.
- 1511 Camp Jackson Road, Cahokia.
The other pick-up-only location closing is located at 3701 Southeast Dodson Road, Bentonville, Arkansas.
Other Walmart Store Locations Closing
- 99 H Street Northwest, Washington, D.C.
- 1801 Howell Mill Road Northwest, Atlanta, Georgia.
- 835 Martian Luther King Jr. Drive Northwest, Atlanta, Georgia.
- 6900 US Highway 19 North, Pinellas Park, Florida. This is a Neighborhood Market concept.
- 1032 Fort Street Mall, Honolulu, Hawaii.
- 3701 Portage Road, South Bend, Indiana.
- 1200 Shingle Creek Parkway, Brooklyn Center, Minnesota.
- 301 San Mateo Boulevard Southeast, Albuquerque, New Mexico.
- 4200 82nd Avenue Southeast, Portland Oregon.
- 1123 North Hayden Meadows Drive, Portland, Oregon.
- 24919 Westheimer Parkway, Katy, Texas. This location is a Neighhood Market concept.
- 11400 Highway 99, Everett, Washington.
- 10330 West Silver Spring Drive, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Walmart’s Statement
Walmart stated that all employees who work at these locations are eligible to transfer to another location. Additionally, the pharmacies at these locations will remain open for up to 30 days.
Walmart stated their Chicago locations “have not been profitable since we opened the first one nearly 17 years ago.” The company added that “these stores lose tens of millions of dollars a year, and their annual losses nearly doubled in just the last five years.”
Although they have closed four locations in Chicago, Walmart still has four locations in the city. The company believes the decision will give them “the best chance to help keep them open and serving the community.”
Many residents, alderpeople, and Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson are dishearted to hear they are closing the locations in Chicago. Johnson stated the closures “will leave a void in the communities they serve, particularly stores located in communities that have historically lacked options for grocery stores and pharmacies.”
Walmart has “served as a crucial lifeline for communities to obtain fresh, affordable produce.” Johnson added that the city is committed to finding “ways to fill the gaps these closures will leave.” Additionally, Johnson stated the city will find a way to “repurpose these facilities to the community‘s benefit.”
By Sheena Robertson
Sources:
ABC 7: Walmart announces 4 Chicago store closings
Insider: Walmart is closing a batch of stores in 2023 — here’s the full list
