Even the most successful businesses sometimes close stores, and Walmart is no exception. While the company continues to grow and open new locations, it also plans to shut down some underperforming stores in 2025.
This may surprise some people, especially after Walmart’s strong financial results. But closures are a normal part of how big companies stay efficient and profitable. Let’s take a closer look at why Walmart is closing stores and what it means for customers.
Walmart’s Business Is Stronger Than Ever
During Walmart’s fourth-quarter earnings call, CEO Doug McMillon shared that the company is in very good shape.
He explained that rising prices in other stores have actually helped Walmart because customers are looking for better deals.
“Our prices are low, and we’re becoming more convenient. Customers are shopping with us more often,” McMillon said.
Walmart has also grown its profits faster than its sales by focusing on higher-margin businesses like membership programs, marketplaces, and advertising.
At the same time, McMillon said Walmart is still working hard to keep prices low and help people save money, with more than 22,000 price rollbacks last year.
Walmart Is Still Focused on Value
Even though Walmart is making strong profits, it has not forgotten its goal of helping customers save money and live better.
The company is expanding its online assortment, improving delivery speed, and continuing to invest in lower prices and higher wages for workers.
“If I could change anything about how we’re perceived, it would be that more people know about our huge online selection and our faster delivery,” McMillon added.
Walmart Is Closing Some Stores in 2025
Despite all the growth, Walmart plans to permanently close several locations across the U.S.
Here are the stores that are closing:
- Georgia: Dunwoody (Ashford Dunwoody Road) and Marietta (Roswell Road)
- Maryland: Towson (Putty Hill Avenue)
- Ohio: Columbus (S. High Street)
- Wisconsin: Milwaukee (W. Main Street)
- Colorado: Aurora (E. Colfax Avenue)
- California: Closures expected in San Diego, El Cajon, West Covina, Fremont, and Granite Bay
According to media reports, Walmart officials said the closures are not because of any financial problems. Instead, the goal is to optimize store performance by focusing on areas with stronger customer traffic and higher profits.
Walmart’s Future Plans
While closing some stores, Walmart is also planning to open more than 100 new locations in 2025.
CFO John David Rainey confirmed that Walmart’s overall business is very strong.
“Our focus remains on providing value to customers while driving sustainable growth for shareholders,” he said.
Walmart will continue to invest in better customer experiences, broader product assortments, and more convenient services, making it easier for shoppers to get what they need at good prices.