Please do not leave this page until complete. This can take a few moments.
In the same day Walmart announced it would be raising its starting wage to $11 and offering an employee bonus due to a new federal tax code, the company announced that it would close 63 Sam’s Club stores.
One of those locations set to close is a Sam’s Club on Tobias Boland Way in Worcester, Walmart said in an email to the WBJ. That location is adjacent to a Walmart Supercenter store.
The company said it “made the difficult decision to close our Worcester Sam’s Club location.”
The store will close to the public by Jan. 26, Walmart spokeswoman Laura Ladd Poff said, offering no details on the number of employees at the location. On average, about 150 employees work at Sam's Clubs location, she added.
Some of the Sam’s Club locations, a division of the Arkansas-based retailer, will be converted to eCommerce fulfillment centers to speed up online orders.
The company said it will provide support and resources to those affected by the closures, including up to a $1,000 one-time cash bonus made possible -- according to the company -- by the new federal tax law.
Employees will receive 60 days of pay and severance to those eligible.
“We know this is difficult news for our associates, and we are working to place as many of them as possible at nearby locations,” said Sam’s Club President and CEO John Furner. “Our focus today has been on those associates and their communities, and communicating with them.”
The company said wage increases for Walmart store employees will take effect in February and will be about $300 million in addition to wage increases already planned.
The one-time bonus represents a $400 million expense, the company said.
Stay connected! Every business day, WBJ Daily Report will be delivered to your inbox by noon. It provides a daily update of the area’s most important business news.
Sign upWorcester Business Journal provides the top coverage of news, trends, data, politics and personalities of the Central Mass business community. Get the news and information you need from the award-winning writers at WBJ. Don’t miss out - subscribe today.
SubscribeWorcester Business Journal presents a special commemorative edition celebrating the 300th anniversary of the city of Worcester. This landmark publication covers the city and region’s rich history of growth and innovation.
See Digital EditionStay connected! Every business day, WBJ Daily Report will be delivered to your inbox by noon. It provides a daily update of the area’s most important business news.
Worcester Business Journal provides the top coverage of news, trends, data, politics and personalities of the Central Mass business community. Get the news and information you need from the award-winning writers at WBJ. Don’t miss out - subscribe today.
Worcester Business Journal presents a special commemorative edition celebrating the 300th anniversary of the city of Worcester. This landmark publication covers the city and region’s rich history of growth and innovation.
In order to use this feature, we need some information from you. You can also login or register for a free account.
By clicking submit you are agreeing to our cookie usage and Privacy Policy
Already have an account? Login
Already have an account? Login
Want to create an account? Register
In order to use this feature, we need some information from you. You can also login or register for a free account.
By clicking submit you are agreeing to our cookie usage and Privacy Policy
Already have an account? Login
Already have an account? Login
Want to create an account? Register
This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Our privacy policy
To ensure the best experience on our website, articles cannot be read without allowing cookies. Please allow cookies to continue reading. Our privacy policy
0 Comments