Dozens of Wal-Marts in Texas will be closed by the end of the week, part of the retail giant’s plan to close 269 stores worldwide.
"Closing stores is never an easy decision, but it is necessary to keep the company strong and positioned for the future," Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., president and CEO Doug McMillo said in a statement released earlier this month.
Among the stores closing in North Texas:
Dallas – Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market – 2218 Greenville Ave.
Frisco – Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market - 4268 Legacy Drive
Godley – Wal-Mart Express – 501 N. Main
Grandview – Wal-Mart Express – 416 N. Third St.
Italy – Wal-Mart Express – 721 Dale Evans Drive
Kemp – Wal-Mart Express – 221 S. Texas 274
Leonard – Wal-Mart Express – 420 S. U.S. 69
Palmer – Wal-Mart Express – 428 N. Dallas St.
Southlake – Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market – 2201 W. Southlake Blvd.
With the exception of the Frisco location, which closed Jan. 17, all of the Wal-Marts statewide set for closure will shut down Jan. 28, according to the company.
The Dallas location on Greenville Avenue has already been picked clean. A 50 percent off storewide markdown has resulted in empty aisles, with the exception of two, throughout the building. Most of the empty aisles are blocked off with caution tape.
"I think it’s going to mean a lot of problems for a lot of people around here," Frances Odle said. "I guess I’ll just go find me another grocery store."
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James Henson owns the 504 Bar and Grill across from the Greenville Avenue store.
"As a restaurant owner down here, we do use the Wal-Mart for a quick fix when we’re short on lemons, limes, things like that," he said. "But it looks like we won’t be doing that anymore."
Residents of Italy previously told NBC 5 they were frustrated with the impending closure of the Wal-Mart there because they said it is the most convenient pharmacy in the town.
About 10,000 Wal-Mart employees will be impacted by the store closures, according to a company statement. Wal-Mart officials said they expect many of them to find positions at other Wal-Marts.
“Where that isn’t possible, the company will provide 60 days of pay and, if eligible, severance, as well as resume and interview skills training,” Wal-Mart said in a statement. “Whether with Wal-Mart or elsewhere, the company’s objective is to help all associates find their next job opportunity.
