Walmart, one of the world’s largest retailers, announced the closure of two of its stores on Tuesday March 31st and Friday March 10th. The first of the two stores to close its doors is located on H Street NW, near North Capitol in Washington, D.C. The second store lies in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on San Mateo near Central.
Walmart’s decision to shutter both stores was no doubt a difficult one, and one that has been met with both sadness and criticism from customers and employees alike. The closure of the H Street NW location will mean the loss of a beloved landmark in the nation's capital. Meanwhile, the Albuquerque location has been a fixture in the community for many years, and its closure has left many feeling betrayed by the company.
Maine, too, has seen its share of Walmart closures. In April of 2017, the company announced the closure of its location in Cielo, a small town near the state’s northern border. The store had been a hub of activity in the area, but its closure left many locals feeling abandoned by the company.
The loss of these stores has been compounded by the number of drivers who have hit the Walmart stop sign near the Cielo location. The sign has become a sort of local landmark, with people posting memes and pictures of themselves standing next to it on social media.
Walmart’s decision to close these stores is likely due to its investment in its supply chain, automation, and customer-facing initiatives. Although these investments may hurt near-term cash flow, they will no doubt benefit the company in the long run.
Moreover, the company has indicated that the stores being closed are “underperforming”. This has been met with criticism by some, as it implies that Walmart is not doing enough to support these locations.
The closures have also been met with criticism due to their timing. With the pandemic still in full swing, these stores shutting down will no doubt hurt people who are already struggling.
Walmart has also been criticized for its role in the rise of dollar stores. The company’s growth set the stage for the success of these stores, and many have seen their profits soar in recent years.
It’s clear that Walmart’s decisions are having a major impact on communities near and far. The company’s investments in its supply chain and customer-facing initiatives may help it in the long run, but many are questioning their impact on people who are already struggling.
Furthermore, the company’s role in the rise of dollar stores has been met with criticism, with many feeling like Walmart is not doing enough to support these stores.
Finally, Walmart’s role in the near future of the hybrid retail experience is also unclear. As Sonia Schechter, a retail analyst for Bloomberg Intelligence, has said, “To me, there is only one capital 'M' metaverse, and within that, Walmart is a major player in the near future of the hybrid retail experience.”
