Wal-Mart set to open more Arizona stores despite closures elsewhere
Jan 20, 2016, 6:00 AM | Updated: 6:33 am
(AP Photo)
Wal-Mart is closing 269 stores worldwide, but luckily none of those will be in Arizona.
In fact, the nation’s largest retailer said more than 300 stores will be opened around the world, although 154 of the closed stores will be in the United States. Representatives confirmed there will be several locations opened in Arizona, according to the Phoenix Business Journal.
The closures will affect around 10,000 U.S. workers. Wal-Mart said the reason for closing so many stores is to actively maintain a health business and manage a portfolio of assets. In an announcement, President and CEO Doug McMillon said closing stores is necessary to keep the company strong and well-positioned for the future.
Most of the stores closed will be Wal-Mart Express stores.
Wal-Mart is Arizona’s third-largest employer with around 32,000 people employed in the state.