On April 13th this year, Walmart decided to shut down five of its Supercenters, literally overnight and to the (bad) surprise of its customers and staff. The stores concerned were Tulsa, Oklahoma, Midland and Livingston, Texas, Pico Rivera, California and Brandon, Florida. A total of 2,200 employees were affected. They were offered a two months paid leave and the possibility to apply for jobs at other locations of the supermarket chain.
Meanwhile, the reasons of these unexpected closures were surrounded with rumors. If the company's official statement involved massive plumbing issues to fix in these five supercenters, various allegations suggested other reasons. For many employees, its a punishment for asking higher wages and being on strike. For some people, the closures are related to Jade Helm 15, a vast military exercise that took place between July 15th and September 15th this year.
Whatever the reasons, the fact is that four of the five stores reopened last week with new layout and reorganised departments. According to Walmart, the fifth location, Brandon, Florida, is due to open in time for the festive season this year.
*Photo: Walmart Wall
News in the same category
News published on 07/07/2015
The Gap, the once cool clothing brand is facing hard times and has to close 175 of its stores in North America. Europe is on the list too.
News published on 07/27/2015
Macy's has launched its own way to mix style and charity with its Fashion Pass. For a few weeks and with $5, both customers and charities will benefit from this innovative idea.
News published on 06/15/2015
The German discount supermarket chain plans to open no less than 45 stores in California next year. This is the first step of a bold expansion across the country.
News published on 04/23/2015
That's good news for 99 Cents Only: after a struggling phase, efforts have paid off and the bargain stores chain is back to positive.
