A Chicago-area Walmart Express store couldn’t cut it against a much larger competitor — a Walmart Supercenter just 100 yards away.
Bentonville, Ark.-based Wal-Mart Stores Inc. closed the 15,000-square-foot West Chatham, Ill., Walmart Express store in late July.
This wasn’t a reflection on the format, said Steven Restivo, a Wal-Mart spokesman.
Wal-Mart took advantage of the opportunity to open a smaller store while the nearby 174,000-square-foot Supercenter was under construction.
“We jumped at the chance because we didn’t think Chatham residents should wait any longer for more affordable grocery options,” Restivo said. “Now that our Supercenter is open, we’ll not only remain a fixture in the community but also all associates at the Express store will be offers new jobs within the company, with most just moving across the parking lot.”
The Walmart Express store opened in the summer of 2011, Restivo said, and the Supercenter in January 2012, months ahead of schedule.
Express stores carry a basic produce selection, including carrots, lettuce, bananas and apples.
Restivo said Wal-Mart is working with a developer to find a replacement tenant.
The company’s Chicagoland expansions continue, with the following stores under development:
• Walmart Neighborhood Market in Grand Boulevard at 47th and Cottage Grove (2014)
• Walmart Neighborhood Market in Little Village at Cermak & Rockwell (2013)
• Walmart Neighborhood Market in Back of the Yards at 47th & Bishop (2013)
• Walmart Supercenter in Pullman at 111th St. and South Doty Ave. (2013)
• Walmart Neighborhood Market in Lakeview at Broadway and Surf (2013)
• Walmart Neighborhood Market in West Englewood at West 76th St. and South Ashland Ave. (2013)
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