By Tara John
In a tactical shift, retailing giant Walmart is closing all 102 of its small-format Walmart Express locations throughout the U.S., the company said Friday.
Fifty-two other U.S. locations and 115 international locations will also be shuttered. The move will impact 16,000 Walmart employees, including 10,000 in the U.S.
Walmart CEO Doug McMillon told analysts in October that his company would be evaluating its store portfolio in the near future. Ultimately, the tiny Walmart Express locations failed to develop into a significant source of revenue for the company.
Despite the closures, Walmart is planning to open more than 300 stores globally in 2016, with a focus on larger locations in the U.S.
More Must-Reads From TIME
- Jane Fonda Champions Climate Action for Every Generation
- Biden’s Campaign Is In Trouble. Will the Turnaround Plan Work?
- Why We're Spending So Much Money Now
- The Financial Influencers Women Actually Want to Listen To
- Breaker Sunny Choi Is Heading to Paris
- Why TV Can’t Stop Making Silly Shows About Lady Journalists
- The Case for Wearing Shoes in the House
- Want Weekly Recs on What to Watch, Read, and More? Sign Up for Worth Your Time
Contact us at letters@time.com