Walmart, one of the largest retail giants in the United States and also the world, has announced the permanent closure of its last two stores in one state that have been seeing how this retailer’s stores are shutting down. The stores closing is so fast, costumers are having a hard time finding a new store. The two stores, located in North and Southeast Portland, are set to close on March 24th. Walmart stated that the stores were not meeting their financial expectations, and therefore, the closure was inevitable.
However, this decision has caused a lot of concern and dismay among the residents of Portland, Oregon. Walmart was a popular destination for low-income shoppers looking for cost-effective outlets to purchase groceries and other essential supplies. With the closure of the last two stores in the city, many low-income shoppers will now have to find alternative options that may be costlier and less convenient.
The Walmart Stores to Be Closing Soon in Portland – The Final Goodbye for the Retailer Chain
This closure comes at a time when Portland is already grappling with a rise in crime and homelessness. Many businesses have relocated or closed shop altogether due to the city’s sad state and officials’ subsequent failure to address the crises. Last year, a Nike store in Portland had to shut down due to mass shoplifting, and a popular retail store in downtown Portland was broken into 15 times in just two months.
The closure of Walmart’s last two stores in Portland is likely to have a long-lasting impact on the residents who relied on these stores for their daily needs. Many are already expressing their disappointment and concern over the decision, with some speculating that mass theft was the cause behind the closure.
Walmart Stores’ Employees Will Be Laid off as the Locations Close Down
Walmart has assured its employees that they will have the option to transfer to other locations outside the city. However, with the nearest store being many miles away in the suburb of Happy Valley, this option may not be feasible for all employees. As an American, you’ll know what that means with the lack of public transportations for long distances. Such a boomer for anyone looking to keep their job. Additionally, the closure of Walmart’s two stores will probably exacerbate the issue of homelessness and food insecurity in Portland, which has persisted since the pandemic.
The city’s leaders are now faced with the challenge of finding ways to address the livability issues that have led to the closure of businesses such as Walmart. It remains to be seen what steps will be taken to address these issues and how the residents of Portland will cope with the closure of Walmart’s last two stores in the city.