The question relating to the operational standing of Walmart areas displays public curiosity within the stability and accessibility of a significant retail chain. Information and stories associated to this subject sometimes tackle retailer closures, relocations, or new openings inside the firm’s general enterprise technique. For instance, bulletins of underperforming shops being shut down typically immediate client considerations about entry to inexpensive items and companies, particularly in communities with restricted retail choices.
Understanding the dynamics of retail retailer networks is essential for assessing financial traits, employment charges, and client conduct. The opening and shutting of bodily retail areas are indicative of shifts in client preferences, the rise of e-commerce, and the influence of financial situations on enterprise profitability. Historic situations of large-scale retail closures have considerably impacted native economies, highlighting the significance of analyzing the components that contribute to those choices.
This text will due to this fact study latest bulletins regarding Walmart retailer operations, discover the underlying causes for any closures, and assess the broader implications for customers, workers, and the retail panorama as an entire. The evaluation may even contemplate Walmart’s methods for adapting to the evolving retail atmosphere and sustaining its aggressive place.
1. Underperforming retailer metrics
The monetary well being and operational effectivity of particular person Walmart shops are important determinants in assessing potential closures. Shops that persistently fail to satisfy established efficiency benchmarks are at the next threat of being shuttered.
-
Declining Gross sales Income
A sustained lower in gross sales figures, significantly when in comparison with comparable shops or regional averages, alerts a possible drawback. This decline can stem from varied components, together with altering demographics, elevated competitors from native retailers or on-line platforms, or a normal shift in client spending habits. Walmart carefully displays these traits to determine shops which can be struggling to keep up profitability.
-
Low Buyer Site visitors
Foot visitors inside a retailer is a direct indicator of its relevance and attraction to the area people. Constantly low buyer counts counsel that the shop isn’t successfully attracting or retaining consumers. This can be on account of components corresponding to poor location, insufficient merchandise choice, or a unfavorable buyer expertise. Monitoring buyer visitors patterns supplies beneficial insights into the general well being of a particular location.
-
Stock Administration Points
Inefficient stock administration can result in overstocking of slow-moving gadgets or stockouts of fashionable merchandise. Each eventualities negatively influence profitability and buyer satisfaction. Shops that wrestle to precisely forecast demand and handle their stock successfully usually tend to expertise monetary losses and in the end face closure.
-
Elevated Operational Prices
Excessive operational prices, corresponding to hire, utilities, or labor bills, can considerably influence a retailer’s profitability. If these prices exceed income generated, the shop turns into a monetary burden on the corporate. Walmart rigorously evaluates these bills and compares them to the shop’s general efficiency to find out its viability.
Collectively, these metrics present a complete image of a retailer’s monetary well being and operational effectivity. When a number of indicators level in direction of sustained underperformance, Walmart might contemplate closure as a obligatory step to optimize its general enterprise technique. These metrics replicate the real-world influence of financial components and client traits on particular person retailer areas.
2. E-commerce Competitors
The rise of e-commerce platforms presents a major aggressive problem to brick-and-mortar retailers, together with Walmart. Elevated on-line buying exercise instantly impacts the gross sales and buyer visitors at bodily retailer areas. As customers more and more go for the comfort and broader choice provided by on-line retailers, the demand for in-store buying experiences decreases. This shift in client conduct contributes to the underperformance of sure Walmart shops, subsequently growing the probability of their closure. For instance, areas with excessive web penetration and a robust choice for on-line buying might expertise a better decline in bodily retailer gross sales, making these areas extra weak.
Walmart’s response to e-commerce competitors entails vital funding in its personal on-line platforms and omnichannel methods. The corporate goals to combine its bodily shops with its on-line choices, offering choices corresponding to on-line order pickup in-store and same-day supply. Nevertheless, the success of those initiatives varies throughout totally different areas and demographics. Shops that wrestle to successfully combine with Walmart’s e-commerce operations or fail to draw prospects looking for a hybrid buying expertise face a heightened threat. Moreover, the growth of specialised on-line retailers catering to area of interest markets can additional erode Walmart’s market share in particular product classes.
In conclusion, e-commerce competitors acts as a catalyst for potential retailer closures by altering client buying habits and creating stress on bodily areas. The flexibility of Walmart to adapt to this evolving panorama via efficient omnichannel methods and aggressive pricing is important in mitigating the influence of on-line retailers and sustaining the viability of its bodily retailer community. Monitoring the interaction between e-commerce traits and retailer efficiency is important for understanding the components influencing choices relating to retailer closures.
3. Lease Agreements
Lease agreements characterize a major consider figuring out the operational lifespan of particular person Walmart shops. These contracts, which outline the phrases of occupancy for retail areas, exert appreciable affect on choices associated to retailer closures and relocations. Cautious consideration of lease phrases, renewal choices, and related prices is integral to Walmart’s strategic planning.
-
Expiration and Renewal Choices
Lease expirations present Walmart with alternatives to reassess the efficiency of a retailer and its strategic match inside the firm’s general community. Renewal choices, or the shortage thereof, play an important function. If a retailer is underperforming, Walmart might decide to not renew the lease, resulting in closure. Conversely, favorable renewal phrases might incentivize preserving a retailer open, even when its efficiency is marginal. These choices are sometimes primarily based on long-term projections of market situations and client traits.
-
Rental Prices and Escalation Clauses
The monetary burden imposed by lease agreements instantly impacts a retailer’s profitability. Excessive rental prices, significantly in areas with escalating lease charges, can render a retailer unsustainable, even when it maintains cheap gross sales quantity. Escalation clauses, which stipulate periodic hire will increase, have to be rigorously evaluated to make sure that the shop’s income can adequately cowl these rising bills. If rental prices develop into prohibitively excessive, closure turns into a extra doubtless choice.
-
Negotiation Flexibility
Walmart’s capability to barter favorable lease phrases can considerably affect its operational flexibility. The corporate might search to renegotiate present leases to scale back rental prices or modify the phrases of occupancy. Landlords could also be keen to barter, particularly if the choice is a vacant retail house. Profitable renegotiations can stop potential closures by bettering a retailer’s monetary viability. Nevertheless, if negotiations fail, Walmart could also be compelled to shut the shop upon lease expiration.
-
Relocation Alternatives
In some instances, Walmart might select to shut a retailer at its present location and relocate to a extra advantageous web site. This resolution is commonly pushed by components corresponding to altering demographics, elevated competitors, or the supply of a extra appropriate property. Lease agreements play an important function on this course of, as Walmart should rigorously contemplate the phrases of the present lease earlier than committing to a relocation. The price of breaking a lease or subletting the property can considerably influence the monetary feasibility of a relocation technique.
The intricacies of lease agreements are due to this fact inextricably linked to choices relating to Walmart retailer closures. Analyzing these agreements, together with expiration dates, rental prices, and negotiation choices, supplies beneficial insights into the components that affect Walmart’s strategic planning and its dedication to sustaining a viable and worthwhile retail community. Lease administration is due to this fact a proactive strategy on figuring out the destiny of a retailer, climate to shut, re-negotiate, or relocate.
4. Regional Financial Shifts
Regional financial shifts instantly affect the operational choices of enormous retail chains like Walmart, making a tangible connection to potential retailer closures. Financial downturns, characterised by declining employment charges and decreased client spending, can considerably influence the efficiency of Walmart shops inside affected areas. Decreased buying energy amongst native residents interprets to decrease gross sales income, probably resulting in underperformance and subsequent closure concerns. Conversely, areas experiencing financial progress and elevated prosperity might witness the opening of latest Walmart areas or the growth of present ones, demonstrating the direct correlation between regional financial well being and Walmart’s retail technique.
The significance of understanding regional financial indicators lies of their predictive capability relating to potential Walmart retailer closures. Monitoring knowledge associated to employment, earnings ranges, housing markets, and business traits inside particular geographic areas supplies insights into the long-term viability of Walmart shops working in these areas. For instance, a Walmart retailer positioned in a city closely reliant on a single business, corresponding to manufacturing, might face elevated threat of closure if that business experiences a major decline. This threat is amplified if different employment alternatives are scarce, additional decreasing the neighborhood’s spending capability. Actual-world examples of this phenomenon embrace closures of retail shops, together with Walmart areas, in areas closely impacted by the decline of the coal business in sure areas of the USA.
In conclusion, regional financial shifts characterize a important consider assessing the probability of Walmart retailer closures. Analyzing financial indicators on the regional stage allows a extra nuanced understanding of the components influencing retailer efficiency and informs strategic choices relating to retailer operations. The sensible significance of this understanding extends to policymakers, neighborhood leaders, and buyers, permitting them to anticipate potential financial impacts and implement methods to mitigate unfavorable penalties related to retailer closures, corresponding to job losses and decreased entry to important items and companies. Addressing these challenges requires a proactive strategy that considers the interaction between regional financial well being and the retail panorama.
5. Provide chain optimization
Provide chain optimization instantly impacts the monetary viability of retail operations; inefficiencies inside the provide chain can contribute to underperforming shops and, consequently, choices relating to closures. Logistics, stock administration, and distribution networks are all components that decide a retailer’s capability to supply aggressive pricing and preserve enough inventory ranges. A poorly optimized provide chain leads to elevated prices, delayed deliveries, and potential stockouts, all of which negatively have an effect on buyer satisfaction and in the end influence gross sales income. The converse, an environment friendly provide chain, can considerably enhance a retailer’s profitability and cut back the probability of closure. For example, the implementation of superior stock monitoring methods permits for extra correct forecasting of demand, minimizing waste and decreasing storage prices, benefiting the underside line.
Actual-world examples illustrate this connection. During times of financial disruption, corresponding to these skilled throughout international pandemics, retailers with sturdy and adaptable provide chains had been higher positioned to keep up operations and meet client demand. Conversely, shops reliant on rigid or geographically concentrated provide chains confronted vital challenges, resulting in stock shortages and decreased gross sales. Walmart’s funding in regional distribution facilities and diversified sourcing methods serves as a sensible instance of proactive provide chain administration geared toward mitigating dangers and making certain constant product availability. When provide chain disruptions happen, shops that can’t adapt quickly to safe different sources or handle stock successfully develop into prime candidates for closure.
In conclusion, provide chain optimization isn’t merely an operational concern however a important issue influencing the survival and success of particular person retail areas. Inefficient provide chains contribute to larger prices and decrease buyer satisfaction, each of which may speed up the trajectory towards retailer closure. Prioritizing provide chain enhancements and adopting progressive methods to reinforce effectivity and resilience are important steps for retailers looking for to keep up a aggressive edge and keep away from the necessity for retailer closures on account of financial components or unexpected disruptions. The strategic administration of the availability chain has a major impact on choices associated to closing a retail retailer.
6. Shifting client conduct
Shifting client conduct patterns characterize a major issue within the analysis of whether or not or not Walmart shops are closing. Evolving preferences relating to buying strategies, product classes, and model loyalty instantly influence the efficiency of particular person retail areas. The growing adoption of on-line buying, a choice for customized experiences, and a deal with value-driven purchases affect client visitors and gross sales figures at brick-and-mortar shops. Shops failing to adapt to those modifications might expertise declining income, resulting in concerns of closure. Subsequently, evaluation of client traits kinds an important element in assessing Walmart’s strategic choices relating to its bodily retailer community.
The impact of client conduct might be seen from on-line buy choice, the rise of specialty retailers, and an elevated demand for sustainable merchandise. Walmart shops that don’t strategically accommodate the growing transfer to on-line buying, or are in areas the place the inhabitants could be very involved concerning the origins and ethics of the place their cash goes, will see a lower in gross sales. These modifications drive choices by the corporate to shut their underperforming shops. For instance, Walmart’s funding in omnichannel buying experiences, corresponding to on-line grocery ordering and in-store pickup, is a direct response to the rising choice for handy and environment friendly buying strategies. The success of those initiatives, nonetheless, varies throughout totally different areas and demographics, highlighting the localized influence of client conduct. Subsequently, client behaviors significantly influences the sustainability of brick and mortar shops, and in flip, drives the enterprise to re-evaluate and shut shops.
In abstract, shifting client conduct is a key determinant within the viability of Walmart shops, influencing the corporate’s operational choices. Recognizing and responding to those evolving traits is important for adapting retail methods and making certain the long-term sustainability of bodily retailer areas. Analyzing client preferences, buying habits, and rising traits supplies beneficial insights for Walmart to strategically modify retailer operations and decrease the necessity for closures. A proactive strategy in adapting to altering buyer calls for enhances a retailer’s efficiency and relevance in a dynamic retail panorama.
7. Restructuring methods
Restructuring methods are instantly linked to choices relating to Walmart retailer closures. These complete organizational changes are sometimes carried out in response to market shifts, monetary efficiency points, or evolving client calls for, they usually can contain a variety of actions that in the end result in the discount of bodily retailer areas.
-
Asset Optimization
Asset optimization entails evaluating and reallocating sources to maximise effectivity and profitability. This may increasingly entail figuring out underperforming shops and deciding to shut them to be able to streamline operations and cut back prices. For instance, if a retailer persistently fails to satisfy gross sales targets or incurs extreme operational bills, it could be deemed a legal responsibility and slated for closure as a part of a broader asset optimization plan.
-
Provide Chain Reconfiguration
Restructuring methods typically contain reconfiguring the availability chain to enhance effectivity and cut back prices. This may increasingly entail consolidating distribution facilities, streamlining logistics processes, or renegotiating contracts with suppliers. Shops which can be geographically remoted or troublesome to serve inside the reconfigured provide chain could also be thought of for closure, as the price of sustaining their provide strains might outweigh their income potential.
-
Market Repositioning
Walmart might undertake restructuring to reposition itself inside the aggressive panorama, specializing in particular market segments or geographic areas. This may contain closing shops in areas the place the corporate’s market share is low or the place competitors is especially intense, and as an alternative specializing in areas with better progress potential. For instance, Walmart might select to shut shops in city areas with excessive competitors from on-line retailers and specialty shops, whereas concurrently increasing its presence in rural or suburban markets the place it has a stronger aggressive benefit.
-
Technological Integration
Restructuring might also contain integrating new applied sciences to reinforce operational effectivity and enhance the shopper expertise. This may increasingly necessitate closing older shops that aren’t simply adaptable to new applied sciences, corresponding to automated checkout methods or on-line order success facilities. These closures facilitate the shift towards extra technologically superior retail fashions and permit Walmart to allocate sources to shops that may higher leverage these improvements.
These aspects spotlight how restructuring methods, whereas geared toward bettering general efficiency, can instantly contribute to Walmart retailer closures. These choices are pushed by a mix of economic concerns, aggressive pressures, and evolving client preferences, all of which necessitate a dynamic and adaptable strategy to retail administration.
8. Market saturation
Market saturation, the purpose at which a particular market can not take up further choices of a services or products, represents a major determinant in assessing potential Walmart retailer closures. When a geographic space turns into saturated with Walmart areas, or when competing retailers sufficiently penetrate the identical market, particular person retailer efficiency might decline, resulting in strategic reassessments and potential closures.
-
Diminishing Returns on Funding
As market saturation will increase, the funding required to keep up or enhance the efficiency of particular person shops typically yields diminishing returns. The price of advertising, promotions, and operational upgrades might not translate right into a proportional improve in gross sales, particularly when customers have a number of Walmart areas or different retail choices available. In such eventualities, Walmart might deem it extra prudent to consolidate its presence by closing underperforming shops, quite than investing additional sources in a saturated market.
-
Cannibalization of Gross sales
The proximity of a number of Walmart shops inside a single geographic space can result in the cannibalization of gross sales, the place one retailer’s income is diminished by the presence of one other close by location. This phenomenon happens when the mixed gross sales of a number of shops are decrease than what could possibly be achieved with a smaller, strategically positioned community. When cannibalization turns into vital, Walmart might shut sure shops to optimize general gross sales and cut back operational prices.
-
Elevated Aggressive Stress
Market saturation typically intensifies aggressive stress from different retailers, each giant and small. The presence of quite a few opponents vying for a similar client base can erode Walmart’s market share and profitability, significantly if these opponents provide differentiated merchandise, companies, or buying experiences. In extremely aggressive markets, Walmart might shut shops that wrestle to keep up a aggressive edge, focusing as an alternative on areas with better potential for progress and profitability.
-
Demographic Shifts and Overlap
Demographic shifts can exacerbate the consequences of market saturation. If a area experiences inhabitants decline or a change in client demographics that reduces the demand for Walmart’s services, present shops might develop into much less viable. Moreover, if a number of Walmart shops serve overlapping demographic teams, the general market might develop into saturated, resulting in decreased gross sales and potential closures.
Finally, market saturation acts as a catalyst for Walmart retailer closures by eroding profitability, intensifying competitors, and decreasing the effectiveness of investments. Assessing the diploma of market saturation in particular geographic areas is due to this fact important for understanding Walmart’s strategic choices relating to its bodily retailer community. Proactive evaluation of market dynamics allows the corporate to optimize its presence, keep away from cannibalization, and preserve a aggressive benefit in an ever-evolving retail panorama.
9. Profitability evaluation
Profitability evaluation capabilities as a important device within the decision-making course of in regards to the operational standing of Walmart shops. The rigorous analysis of economic efficiency metrics supplies important knowledge for figuring out the long-term viability of particular person areas and informing choices relating to potential closures.
-
Income vs. Bills Analysis
The core of profitability evaluation entails an in depth comparability between the income generated by a retailer and its related bills. This consists of direct prices corresponding to merchandise procurement and labor, in addition to oblique prices like hire, utilities, and company overhead. Shops the place bills persistently exceed income are carefully scrutinized, as their continued operation poses a monetary burden on the corporate. Examples embrace shops in areas with excessive hire or these experiencing vital declines in buyer visitors on account of altering demographics or elevated competitors. The result of this analysis instantly influences choices relating to retailer closures.
-
Gross sales Development Identification
Profitability evaluation incorporates the identification of gross sales traits over time. Declining gross sales figures, significantly when in comparison with regional averages or comparable retailer areas, point out a possible drawback. This decline might stem from varied components, together with altering client preferences, elevated competitors from native retailers or on-line platforms, or financial downturns affecting the area people. Walmart carefully displays these traits to venture future profitability and determine shops which can be prone to stay financially unsustainable. Persistent unfavorable gross sales traits considerably improve the chance of a retailer closure.
-
Market Share and Aggressive Positioning Evaluation
Evaluation extends to assessing a retailer’s market share and aggressive positioning inside its geographic space. Shops that wrestle to keep up a aggressive edge in opposition to different retailers might expertise declining profitability. Elements corresponding to pricing methods, merchandise choice, and customer support contribute to a retailer’s capability to draw and retain prospects. Profitability evaluation considers these components to find out whether or not a retailer can realistically compete in its native market. Shops with weak aggressive positioning and declining market share usually tend to be thought of for closure.
-
Return on Funding (ROI) Calculation
An important element of profitability evaluation is the calculation of Return on Funding (ROI) for every retailer. This metric assesses the effectivity with which a retailer generates revenue relative to the capital invested in its operation. Shops with a persistently low or unfavorable ROI characterize a drain on the corporate’s sources. These areas could also be focused for closure to be able to reallocate capital to extra worthwhile ventures or to scale back general monetary losses. The ROI calculation supplies a transparent and quantifiable foundation for making choices relating to retailer closures, aligning with Walmart’s general monetary goals.
These aspects exhibit the interconnectedness between profitability evaluation and Walmart’s strategic choices relating to retailer closures. By rigorously evaluating monetary efficiency metrics, figuring out gross sales traits, assessing market competitiveness, and calculating ROI, Walmart good points the insights essential to optimize its retail community and guarantee long-term monetary stability. Shops that persistently fail to satisfy profitability benchmarks usually tend to be topic to closure as a part of a broader technique to reinforce general enterprise efficiency.
Steadily Requested Questions
This part addresses widespread inquiries relating to the operational standing of Walmart shops, offering factual data and clarifying misconceptions.
Query 1: Is Walmart present process a mass closure of shops nationwide?
Walmart isn’t at present present process a mass closure of shops nationwide. Whereas particular person retailer closures happen as a part of customary enterprise follow, these are sometimes strategic choices primarily based on efficiency metrics quite than a widespread shutdown.
Query 2: What are the first causes for Walmart retailer closures?
Retailer closures sometimes outcome from a mix of things, together with underperforming monetary metrics, shifts in regional financial situations, elevated e-commerce competitors, lease settlement phrases, and market saturation. A complete profitability evaluation typically precedes choices to shut particular areas.
Query 3: How does e-commerce influence choices relating to Walmart retailer closures?
The rise of e-commerce and altering client buying habits affect the efficiency of bodily shops. Walmart evaluates how shops combine with its on-line choices and the way they adapt to client preferences for on-line buying versus in-store experiences when making closure choices.
Query 4: Are Walmart retailer closures indicative of broader monetary instability inside the firm?
Particular person retailer closures don’t essentially replicate general monetary instability. Walmart is a big company with numerous income streams. Retailer closures are typically strategic changes to optimize its retail community and enhance general profitability.
Query 5: How are communities affected by Walmart retailer closures?
Retailer closures can influence communities by decreasing entry to inexpensive items, creating job losses, and probably affecting native economies. These impacts are sometimes thought of throughout closure choices, although enterprise wants typically outweigh these considerations.
Query 6: The place can correct details about Walmart retailer closures be discovered?
Official Walmart press releases, investor relations stories, and respected information shops present essentially the most correct data relating to retailer closures. Unverified sources or social media rumors must be handled with warning.
In abstract, whereas particular person Walmart shops might shut every now and then on account of varied components, these actions are sometimes a part of strategic enterprise changes quite than proof of a widespread disaster. Verifying data via official sources is important for correct understanding.
The following part will discover Walmart’s methods for adapting to the evolving retail atmosphere.
Navigating “Are Walmart Shops Closing”
Issues relating to the potential closure of Walmart shops warrant a strategic strategy to data gathering and preparation. The next suggestions present steering on learn how to navigate this problem from a sensible and knowledgeable perspective.
Tip 1: Confirm Data via Official Channels: Seek the advice of Walmart’s official press releases, investor relations stories, and company communications for confirmed particulars relating to retailer closures. Keep away from relying solely on unverified social media posts or unofficial sources.
Tip 2: Analyze Regional Financial Indicators: Assess the financial well being of areas the place Walmart shops are positioned. Elements corresponding to employment charges, earnings ranges, and business traits can present insights into the potential vulnerability of particular areas.
Tip 3: Monitor Native Information and Group Boards: Keep knowledgeable about native information stories and neighborhood discussions regarding potential retailer closures. These sources can provide early indications of potential points and insights into the neighborhood’s response.
Tip 4: Perceive Walmart’s Omnichannel Technique: Study Walmart’s efforts to combine its on-line and bodily retailer operations. Shops that aren’t successfully integrated into this omnichannel technique could also be at the next threat of closure. Think about different buying choices, ought to an area retailer shut.
Tip 5: Consider Lease Settlement Elements: Think about the influence of lease agreements on retailer viability. Expiration dates, rental prices, and renegotiation choices can all affect Walmart’s choices relating to retailer closures. Public data relating to actual property traits in a sure space could also be helpful.
Tip 6: Assess Native Market Saturation: Decide the extent to which a geographic space is saturated with Walmart shops or competing retailers. Excessive market saturation can result in decreased profitability and potential retailer closures. Understanding this might help put together for decreased entry to a particular retailer.
Tip 7: Perceive Shopper Habits: Analyze present modifications to client buying conduct, from wanting to buy on-line, to specialty shops. Walmart shops that strategically accommodate growing client conduct might even see a rise in gross sales, driving the enterprise to remain open, whereas ones that do not accommodate these behaviors, driving it to shut.
Tip 8: Take Benefit of Walmart’s Expertise: See what technological developments a particular retailer is utilizing. If the shop is not using technological development, it could present that they’re within the technique of downsizing, or could also be short-staffed. Understanding this alteration might help put together customers for any eventual closures.
The following tips encourage a proactive and knowledgeable strategy to understanding the components influencing potential Walmart retailer closures. By verifying data, analyzing financial indicators, and assessing strategic concerns, people can higher put together for potential modifications of their native retail panorama.
The next part will present a concluding abstract of the important thing factors mentioned all through this text.
“Are Walmart Shops Closing”
This text has explored the multifaceted components that contribute to choices regarding Walmart retailer closures. The evaluation has encompassed underperforming retailer metrics, the influence of e-commerce competitors, lease settlement concerns, regional financial shifts, provide chain optimization methods, evolving client conduct, organizational restructuring initiatives, market saturation dynamics, and profitability evaluation practices. Every component performs a major function within the analysis course of that precedes choices concerning the operational standing of particular person areas.
The dynamics of the retail panorama are topic to fixed change, demanding vigilance and adaptation. Staying knowledgeable about financial traits, firm bulletins, and shifts in client preferences is essential for understanding the way forward for retail and its influence on communities. Continued important evaluation of the components outlined on this article will facilitate a extra nuanced understanding of the continuing evolution of Walmart’s retail footprint and the broader financial implications of retailer closures.
