TOWSON, Md. — A local Walmart is closing its doors next month.
The store at 1238 Putty Hill Avenue in Towson will shutter on April 5, according to a company spokesperson.
"This decision was not made lightly and was reached only after a careful and thoughtful review process," Walmart said in a statement. "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."
Walmart says all store workers will be paid through June 14, while also having the opportunity to transfer to another location.
"Man it's a lot because I mean it took a lot for me to get this job and now to come in and hear that they're closing," one employee told WMAR. " I'm surprised in a way.”
"It's just a shock. I like the team here and I commute just to be with this team. So it's upsetting but I guess they have their reasons for having to shut it down,” said Angie Desmarais, another Walmart worker.
Eligible employees choosing not to transfer, will receive severance.
"We hope most of the 207 associates at this store will want to continue their careers with Walmart by transferring to another nearby store," the company said.
Customers using the store's pharmacy can have their prescriptions transferred to another area Walmart.
"I mean it's convenient for me I’ve always had good customer service when I come here. This would have been real hard. A lot of things are going on, but I just hope some more doors will open up for the people that works here,” said Janetta, a regular Walmart customer.
Currently there are 60 Walmart and Sam's Club stores in Maryland, employing 17,350 associates. The next closest locations are in Cockeysville and Nottingham.
The company says it has no plans to close other stores in the region.
