Brooklyn Center Walmart permanently closing April 21
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Residents of Brooklyn Center will soon have one fewer place to shop.
Store officials confirmed to 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS that the Walmart on Shingle Creek Crossing will close its doors for good next month, affecting 387 workers.
According to a spokesperson, the location will close by April 21, with the pharmacy scheduled to close right on April 21.
The company says the decision was made after a “thorough review process” because the store hasn’t reached financial expectations.
But for frequent shoppers, the closure comes as a surprise.
The Brooklyn Center water tower is seen in the distance behind the city's Walmart location. Company officials say that Walmart will close for good on April 21. (KSTP-TV)
“I don’t understand why they’re doing it. Anybody know why?” asked Shirley Anderson, who says she’s been shopping at the store since it opened in 2012. “As much as people shop here? It’s really crowded shopping here. I don’t understand that.”
Shoppers who spoke with 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS say they’re worried about where to buy food now.
Quneshia Brewer, a Brooklyn Center resident, said the Walmart is her primary place for grocery shopping.
“I guess I’ve got to find another Walmart to go to,” she said.
A nearby Target store closed its doors for good in 2019 and is still sitting empty. With the Walmart coming next, the phrase “food desert” comes to mind for some.
“Like if you live across the street, half the places are closing,” Brewer says. “Like we aren’t really having food restaurants, so I can agree with that.”
Brooklyn Center city officials say they learned about the closure Tuesday morning.
“This is devastating and a major economic loss to our region because Walmart has served the Brooklyn Center community since 2012,” said Dr. Reginald Edwards, Brooklyn Center’s city manager. “Our residents have relied on the convenience of the location. … We are committed to rebounding and building a stronger local economy.”
The city calls the Walmart an “anchor store” for about 30 smaller shops and restaurants and serves more than 34,000 shoppers in the area.
Brooklyn Center Mayor April Graves says she’s concerned about the impact a large, empty retail space will have on the community.
“While losing Walmart is an undeniable setback for our city, we continue to be committed to our work of bringing in new development,” she said in a statement.
Anyone who uses the Brooklyn Center store’s pharmacy will be able to transfer their prescriptions to another location.
As for employees, the retailer says it will pay all associates through the end of June unless they transfer to another location. After that date, those who don’t transfer will receive severance.
A Walmart spokesperson noted there are five other stores within 13 miles of the one in Brooklyn Center. Overall, the company operates 80 Walmart and Sam’s Club stores in the state.