ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA) – The Walmart Market opened to great fanfare in St. Petersburg’s Midtown neighborhood three years ago. Tuesday, the company announced that food store is closing in March.
“I think if Sam Walton was here Sam Walton would say keep this place open for business,” said customer Tremain Johnson. “The old people need this place.”
Walmart on Tuesday released the following statement about the closure of the Neighborhood Market on 22nd Street South.
“We have been, and will continue to be, supportive of our local store leadership and associates, and this decision is in no way a reflection of their hard work and customer service over the last three years. This decision is based on a number of factors, including financial performance and strategic alignment with long-term plans.”
“They’re going to make it very bad for the community,” said customer ‘VIP’ Fowler.
Walmart said the 22nd Street store will close to the public on Friday, March 3. The pharmacy will close to the public on Feb. 1. The store’s pharmacy staff will work with customers to transfer prescriptions.
“We care deeply about our associates impacted by this decision. Whether with Walmart or elsewhere, the company’s objective is to help affected associates find their next career opportunity,” said Walmart in the statement.
The City of St. Petersburg had worked with Walmart to open the store at the location after Sweetbay Supermarket pulled out in 2013. The city also invested $1.35 million in order to develop the plaza back in 2005 to kick start development in the Midtown area.
Last August, the city committed to spending another $2.2 million to buy the plaza out of foreclosure in order to protect taxpayers’ original investment and keep businesses open.
Mayor Rick Kriseman says he is disappointed that the store will close but hasn’t lost his resolve to stick to the foreclosure bailout plan. He doesn’t believe purchasing the plaza without a major tenant is throwing good money after bad. “Well you always have to weigh that and you have to look at what is long term,” Kriseman said.
Not everyone at city hall is so sure. “I would stop and try to run the numbers,” said Council Member Karl Nurse. He believes there is a bigger economic problem at work here. “We need more income in those neighborhoods,” Nurse said.
Walmart hopes to move its displaced workers to other stores in the area.
