Walmart has announced plans to close 22 retail locations across the United States this year, including four stores in Chicago. The decision comes as a result of poor financial performance at each of the affected stores. This move is part of the company’s broader strategy to optimize its operations and focus on more profitable markets.

Among the closures is a Walmart Neighborhood Market in Richmond, Virginia, which will shut its doors on July 28. Felicia McCranie, a Walmart spokesperson, expressed appreciation for the community’s support, stating, “We are grateful to the customers who have given us the privilege of serving them at our Brook Road Neighborhood Market location.” The company has not yet disclosed the full list of locations set to close.

The decision reflects a larger trend in the retail industry, where businesses are reassessing their physical store footprints amid shifting consumer preferences. With the rise of e-commerce, many retailers, including Walmart, are prioritizing digital growth while scaling back underperforming brick-and-mortar locations.

The closures may have significant impacts on local communities, including job losses and reduced shopping convenience, particularly in areas where Walmart serves as a key retail provider. However, the company has emphasized that customers will still have access to its products through online shopping and nearby Walmart locations.

Despite these closures, Walmart remains committed to strengthening its e-commerce operations and improving customer experiences nationwide. The company continues to adapt to the changing retail landscape, and further updates on its restructuring efforts are expected in the coming months.