Wal-Mart to close 2 stores in Southeast Missouri

Wal-Mart stores in Caruthersville and Piedmont, Missouri are scheduled to close at the beginning of 2017. Store employees were informed of the decision on Friday.

The two locations are traditional Wal-Mart stores, and not the large-scale supercenters commonly seen in the area. They have each served their respective communities for several decades. The Caruthersville Wal-Mart opened in 1977, and currently employs 85 people. The Piedmont location opened in 1980, and employs 75 people.

"After careful review of a number of factors, we have made the difficult decision to not renew the lease at our Caruthersville and Piedmont stores," Betsy Harden of Wal-Mart said in an official statement. "We care deeply about our associates impacted by this decision and our priority is to take care of them. Our goal is to find them as many opportunities to continue to serve our customers as possible."

The company is seeking transfer opportunities for those employees wishing to continue with the company. Severance packages will be offered to all other full and part-time employees.

Both stores will close on Jan. 20, 2017.

Pertinent address:

15 Hal's Plaza Dr, Piedmont, Missouri

MO-84, Caruthersville, Missouri