HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — If you were planning on any last-minute grocery shopping at the Oakwood Walmart, it's too late. The Neighborhood Market is full of empty shelves two days before the store's scheduled closing on Dec. 20.
Except for a few items being sold at 90% off, the store is bare, with empty freezers and many aisles blocked with caution tape.
When the closing was announced at the beginning of December, company officials cited financial woes as the reason for the store's closure.
"This decision was not made lightly and was reached only after a careful and thoughtful review process," Coulter shared. "We have nearly 5,000 stores across the U.S. and unfortunately some do not meet our financial expectations. While our underlying business is strong, this store hasn’t performed as well as we hoped."
Coulter added that all store associates are eligible to transfer locations and will be paid through March 7. After that, if eligible associates choose not to transfer, they will receive severance.
The location's pharmacy will also close on Dec. 20 and pharmacy staff will work with customers to transfer prescriptions to another location.
On the morning on the announcement, District 1 City Councilwoman Michelle Watkins issued a statement:
"On Tuesday morning, I was contacted by Walmart regarding the upcoming store closure of the Walmart Neighborhood Market on Oakwood Avenue. I was assured no employees would lose their jobs; they will either have the chance to transfer to another store within the community or receive severance pay through March 7, 2025. I am proud that the District continues to experience new commercial development activity offering new retail options. I am committed to ensuring that the property does not remain vacant and that a new business can flourish in North Huntsville. The City will work with Walmart on the future use of this location.”
No additional closures are planned for the area at this time.
