Walmart has announced it will be closing 269 stores as it exits the Walmart Express pilot program.  In October 2015, the company said an active review of their portfolio was underway to ensure assets were aligned with strategy.  Today’s action follows a thorough review of Walmart’s nearly 11,600 worldwide stores that took into account a number of factors, including financial performance as well as strategic alignment with long-term plans. 

“Actively managing our portfolio of assets is essential to maintaining a healthy business,” said Doug McMillon, president and CEO, Walmart Stores, Inc.  “Closing stores is never an easy decision, but it is necessary to keep the company strong and positioned for the future.  It is important to remember that we’ll open well more than 300 stores around the world next year.  So, we are committed to growing, but we are being disciplined about it.”

In total, approximately 16,000 associates will be impacted by the decision, about 10,000 of them in the United States.

Eight stores in Louisiana will be closed including those in Mamou, Lake Arthur, Colfax, Iowa, Clinton, Kentwood, Zwolle and Independence.  A complete list of the stores that will close in the U.S. can be found on the company’s website. 

McMillion further added, “The decision to close stores is difficult and we care about the associates who will be impacted.  We invested considerable time assessing our stores and clubs and don’t take this lightly.  We are supporting those impacted with extra pay and support, and we will take all appropriate steps to ensure they are treated well.”

We will keep you updated on the matter.