Guilford Walmart Closing By May 20, Corporate Office Confirms

GUILFORD, CT — Walmart is closing its Guilford store by May 20, the company said Tuesday.

Before the announcement, State Rep. Sean Scanlon shared the news on Facebook:

"While this is certainly disappointing news, I’m happy to share that all employees will be offered a transfer to another store," he wrote.

Scanlon told Patch that he was told about the closure by a representative of Walmart's regional government relations.

"I'm disappointed to see the store close. I'm relieved that they are offering their 98 employees transfers to other stores, but that may be understandably difficult for many of the local seniors who work there and will not want to drive to other stores," Scanlon said. "I plan to stay in contact with Walmart to see what kind of progress they make on placing employees, and I'm committed to helping employees however I can during this process."

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An email from Walmart corporate affairs confirmed the May 20, 900 Boston Post Road store closure.

A senior Walmart corporate officer said that the "difficult decision to close" the store came after a "thoughtful review process."

They noted that while "not made lightly," the move was based on "several factors, including historic and current financial performance, and is in line with the threshold that guides our strategy to close underperforming locations."

In a Facebook post, Guilford First Selectman Matt Hoey said the location was being shuttered "mainly due to underperformance."

The town posted to Facebook that, "In the coming weeks, the store will begin clearance sales to sell as much remaining merchandise as possible."

In a phone interview with Patch, Hoey said the town economic development office got in touch with Brooks Properties, which manages Shoreline Plaza to ask how the town can assist in making the site an "attractive venue for someone."

Though it's unlikely that another big box-type store will re-settle the site, Hoey said the goal is to find a business "that's the right fit."

In an email to Patch, Walmart corporate said that the decision to shutter the location was "in no way a reflection of their hard work and customer service."

"We are hopeful the associates at the store will want to continue their career with Walmart by transferring to another store," a spokesperson said, noting that Guilford Walmart workers will be "eligible for transfer."

“We are grateful to the customers who have given us the privilege of serving them at our Guilford location," said director of Corporate Affairs, Global Communications Felicia McCranie. "We look forward to serving them at our other stores in the surrounding communities and on walmart.com.”

The closest Walmart to Guilford is in Branford, and another nearby store is in New Haven, the Foxon Boulevard Supercenter and another in Old Saybrook.

Hoey noted that now, Guilford folks who shopped at the location will now go to the Branford, North Haven or Old Saybrook stores.

"Whether you agree with the Walmart model or not, it serves a significant portion of our population based on pricing, affordability of their merchandise," he said.

In a follow-up call Wednesday, McCranie said the company is focused on employees and "their transition."

"As you can imagine, we are constantly reviewing all elements of our business to ensure the criteria and standards are in place for running a healthy business. The decision to close this store was made after a careful review of its overall performance. We consider a number of factors, including current and projected financial performance, location, population, and the proximity of other nearby stores when making these difficult decisions. After we decide to move forward, our focus is on our associates and their transition, which is the case here."