One of the world’s largest retailers announced it’s closing two stores in Portland, laying off hundreds of workers in the process. At the Walmart supercenter at 4200 SE 82nd Ave. in Portland, 379 people will be laid off as that location is shuttered, according to an official filing sent to the Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Commission, as well as to Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler and Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Peterson. In a similar but separate filing to the same parties, Walmart said it is laying off 201 employees as it closes a supercenter in North Portland’s Delta Park area.
The notices to state and local officials about the two retail closures in Portland indicated that affected employees were informed of the closure Wednesday.
“All employees at this facility will be terminated effective June 02, 2023,” the announcements said.
In a message sent to OPB from a public relations firm representing WalMart, the decision to close the two Portland stores was made “after a careful and thoughtful review.” The message said that WalMart continues to be “committed” to Oregon but suggested that the decision to close the two Portland locations was based on several factors including financial performance.
The closures and layoffs at the two large retail outlets follow word last week that Walmart was shuttering three tech hubs, including one in Portland. According to media reports, Walmart was also closing hubs in Austin, Texas and Carlsbad, California, consolidating operations in San Bruno, California and at the company’s headquarters in Bentonville, Arkansas.
Walmart said the affected employees at the retail stores in Portland aren’t represented by a union. The workers won’t transfer directly into other positions but can apply to open positions at other Walmart or Sam’s Club locations.
“We are providing employees with support options; an Associate Support Center staffed to answer Walmart policy/practice questions regarding exiting Walmart; continued access to our career portal, benefits information, and a detailed FAQ on internal intranet sites; and onsite services through Resources for Living,” the announcements said.
A worker places a price for vegetables inside the Walmart Supercenter in North Bergen, Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023, in New Jersey.
Eduardo Munoz Alvarez / AP
