IN CHICAGO

Walmart closes three stores on the South Side

Last week, Walmart announced it would be abruptly closing four stores in Chicago, three of which are on the South Side. The retail supergiant gave communities just five days’ notice, leaving some without an accessible or affordable grocery store. In addition to a supercenter in Chatham (8431 S. Stewart Ave), neighborhood Walmart stores in Little Village (2551 W. Cermak Rd.), Kenwood (4720 S. Cottage Grove Ave. and Lakeview (2844 N. Broadway St.)) have also closed. The closures come after Whole Foods abruptly closed its store in Englewood and residents protested the opening of a Save-A-Lot in its location, which is known for having fewer fresh vegetable, fruit, and high-quality options. As usual in these situations, Walmart defended its decision by claiming that its Chicago stores are unprofitable, but it was unclear what, if any, steps the company took to help sustain the stores or engage with the community before making the decision to close. Chicagoans critical of the closures have pointed out that Walmart has received millions in tax subsidies to open stores in Chicago and that in 2020, CEO Doug McMillon announced Walmart’s commitment to staying in the city and reopening after civil unrest that summer. The stores closed this Sunday, April 16, but the pharmacies will remain open for another month.