A New York City security firm, Executive Protection Solutions, was hired to guard the entrance and deliver the news to anyone who showed up: the store was closed for the day but will resume operation from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday.
The store has since entered a two-week liquidation process with 25% price reductions first before 50% deals as the closure date approaches. There are several retail options in the area, with competitor Costco just up the road. Many shoppers liked the less-crowded Sam’s Club with the reasonable gas prices.
All memberships will be reimbursed in full. Walmart also announced Thursday it was giving raises to its employees, with the lowest wage now $11. They are also offering $1,000 bonuses to some employees in response to the recent tax overhaul law.
As for the 150 employees at the Prescott store, those employees may be able to transfer to other Walmart stores in the area or even throughout the state. If a transfer is not possible, then they’ll receive severance as long as they’re eligible. Employees will be paid for 60 days from Jan. 11, despite the club’s last open day on Jan. 26.
Stores are also closing in Arizona, Illinois, Maryland, Alaska, Ohio, New York, Connecticut, Indiana, Louisiana, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Texas. That leaves 597 Sam’s Clubs open for business across the country.
Customers’ memberships are valid at samsclub.com or they can request a refund of their membership fee.