On Tuesday, Walmart made the difficult decision to close four of its Chicago stores, effective this Sunday.
The impacted stores include #5781 Chatham Supercenter, the Walmart Health center, and the Walmart Academy, 8431 S. Stewart Ave. , #3166 Kenwood Neighborhood Market, 4720 S. Cottage Grove Ave. , #5645 Lakeview Neighborhood Market, 2844 N. Broadway St. , and #5646 Little Village Neighborhood Market, 2551 W. Cermak Road.
According to the retail giant, these stores have not turned a profit since their inception nearly 17 years ago, losing tens of millions of dollars annually. The company tried various strategies to improve performance, such as introducing smaller stores and non-retail services, but to no avail. In fact, their losses nearly doubled in the last five years alone.
In a press release, Walmart stated, “While this was a tough decision, we believe it gives us the best chance to help keep our remaining four Chicago stores open and serving the community.” All employees will have the option to transfer to another Walmart location, and the pharmacies at the closing stores will remain open for 30 days to serve patients.
The announcement has garnered mixed reactions, with some expressing disappointment and concern for the communities losing access to affordable groceries and healthcare services. Others see it as a necessary move for Walmart to remain profitable and continue serving customers in the long term.
As Walmart continues to adapt to an ever-evolving retail landscape, it’s unclear what the future holds for the company and its stores. For now, customers and employees affected by the closures are encouraged to seek support and resources from local organizations and government agencies.
Also Read: Tennessee Representative Justin Jones Reinstated After Expulsion Over Gun Control Protest
