Walmart, the nation’s leading big-box retailer, is closing the doors on 11 underperforming stores across the U.S. as it kicks off 2025. While the brand isn’t going anywhere anytime soon—with over 4,600 stores still operating nationwide—these targeted closures signal a bigger shift in strategy: less brick-and-mortar, more e-commerce and fuel expansion.
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Retail has always been an evolving space, and Walmart is fine-tuning its footprint to stay competitive in a market increasingly dominated by digital giants like Amazon and Temu. Here’s everything you need to know about which Walmart stores are closing, what’s next for the company, and how this change could affect thousands of workers and shoppers across the country.
Which Walmart Stores Are Closing in 2025?
Walmart has officially confirmed that 11 stores will permanently close in 2025 due to low performance and declining sales. While some of these locations have been neighborhood staples for years, they’ve reportedly fallen short of profitability targets.
Here’s the full list of Walmart locations closing this year:
🛒 Georgia
- Dunwoody – Ashford Dunwoody Road
- Marietta – Walmart Neighborhood Market on Roswell Road
🛒 Maryland
- Towson – 1238 Putty Hill Avenue
🛒 Ohio
- Columbus – 3579 South High Street
🛒 Wisconsin
- Milwaukee – 7025 West Main Street
🛒 Colorado
- Aurora – 10400 East Colfax Avenue
🛒 California
- San Diego – 2121 Imperial Avenue
- El Cajon – 605 Fletcher Parkway
- West Covina – 2753 Eastland Center Drive
- Fremont – 40580 Albrae Street
- Granite Bay – 4080 Douglas Boulevard
These closures are a reflection of broader industry shifts where online sales are rising, and physical foot traffic is declining in certain areas. With e-commerce booming, Walmart is adjusting its approach to maintain profitability.
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Why Are These Walmart Stores Closing?
The reasons vary slightly by region, but the overarching issues are:
- Lagging store performance
- Shifts in consumer behavior toward online shopping
- High operational costs in certain urban areas
- Increased competition from digital-first platforms
According to Walmart executives, these stores simply “haven’t met financial expectations”, and keeping them open no longer made business sense.
What’s Next for Walmart in 2025? More Gas, Less Glass
While some doors are closing, Walmart is by no means slowing down—it’s just pivoting to a new strategy. The retail behemoth is now investing heavily in gas stations and convenience store expansions across the U.S.
⛽ Fueling Up for the Future:
- Walmart plans to launch or upgrade 45+ gas stations in 2025.
- The company will now operate over 450 fuel stations in 34 states by the end of the year.
- This move puts Walmart on a collision course with Costco, which is also expanding its gas station footprint and hours of operation.
And if you’re a Walmart+ member, there’s a silver lining: you can save up to 10 cents per gallon at Walmart-owned and partner fuel stations. This perk is designed to boost loyalty and offset inflation-driven fuel costs for everyday customers.
How Does This Compare to Costco’s Strategy?
The battle at the gas pump is heating up. Costco recently announced its own plans to extend gas station hours and expand 60 fueling sites across the U.S. in 2025. According to CEO Ron Vachris, the goal is simple: make gas more accessible for members who are now more price-conscious than ever.
“We want fueling at Costco to be more convenient,” said Vachris, noting that ease of access is now just as important as price.
Walmart’s strategy mirrors this thinking, with a focus on value, convenience, and digital integration, all while trimming back underperforming locations.
What Does This Mean for Customers and Workers?
For Shoppers:
- You may need to find alternative Walmart locations if your local store is closing.
- Expect expanded Walmart+ fuel savings in more locations.
- Look for improved online ordering and delivery options as e-commerce remains a focus.
For Employees:
- Store closures could impact thousands of jobs, but Walmart has stated it will try to relocate affected workers to nearby stores or roles.
- Some displaced workers may be eligible for severance or transfer opportunities within the company’s extensive national network.
Final Thoughts: Walmart Isn’t Shrinking—It’s Strategizing
Though the loss of 11 stores may sound significant, it’s just a small fraction of Walmart’s massive presence. The company is strategically reshaping its portfolio to align with changing consumer preferences and competitive pressures.
Expect more investment in:
- Technology
- Online grocery delivery
- Mobile app improvements
- Convenience store-style shopping experiences
This retail shift reflects a broader trend in the U.S.: less physical retail space and more efficient, tech-driven operations. And for Walmart, that means fewer stores—but a smarter, leaner, and more connected future.