Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. announced plans to close 269 stores in the U.S. and globally.  The release stated, “As part of today’s action, the company will close 154 locations in the U.S., including the company’s 102 smallest format stores, Wal-Mart Express, which had been in pilot since 2011.”

Several local municipalities, including Benson, were involved with the pilot program of the Wal-Mart“Express” store brand. Benson’s Wal-Mart Express, located at 702 S. Wall Street, opened in spring 2013 and includes a pharmacy, garden center, and gas station.  As part of the store reduction program, this site is expected to close to the public on January 28, 2016.

“It is disappointing that the pilot design did not produce sales results as expected. We are most concerned for the employees affected during this transition period,” said Matt Zapp, Town Manager. “The closure of the Wal-Mart Express platform in Benson is not a result of the local market.  Fortunately, other area retailers are flourishing.”

Despite today’s announcement, Benson continues to see positive economic development activity. Over the past 18-months, Benson has experienced 87 net new jobs and over $46 million invested in the commercial, industrial, retail, and downtown districts. Additionally, Benson has seen 38 new home starts with a total valuation of $6,105,000 during the same period.

To view the Walmart press release, please visit: http://news.walmart.com/news-archive/2016/01/15/walmart-continues-sharpened-focus-on-portfolio-management

For questions related to this press release, please contact Benson Town Manager Matt Zapp atThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 919-894-3553.