Jessica Chasmar
January 11, 2018
The Washington Times
Walmart announced it is closing dozens of Sam’s Club stores across the country after many employees reportedly showed up to work Thursday to find the doors locked.
The news came the same day Walmart, Sam’s Club’s parent company, announced that it is raising the starting wage rate for hourly employees to $11 and offering bonuses of up to $1,000 in the wake of the $1.5 trillion tax-cut package Congress passed last month.
“After a thorough review of our existing portfolio, we’ve decided to close a series of clubs and better align our locations with our strategy,” Sam’s Club said in a statement Thursday afternoon. “Closing clubs is never easy and we’re committed to working with impacted members and associates through this transition.”
Walmart told Business Insider that it is closing 63 Sam’s Club stores nationwide — many of which were abruptly closed Thursday.
Employees showed up to work at several Texas locations only to find a note on the door that read, “Sam’s Club is closed today. We regret any inconvenience,” a Houston CBS affiliate reported.
Another local report said some stores may reopen temporarily to sell off inventory at a discount before they close again for good.
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