News Summary
A significant winter storm hit north Georgia on Friday, causing hazardous driving conditions and power outages. More than 40 Walmart stores in metro Atlanta have temporarily closed due to the storm. Residents are advised to call ahead before visiting any store. Additionally, two locations are set to permanently close in July due to underperformance, affecting hundreds of employees. The storm is also impacting daily life, public transit, and school schedules across the region.
Severe Winter Storm Causes Many Walmart Stores in Georgia to Close
Metro Atlanta, prepare yourself! Friday brought a powerful winter storm that blanketed much of north Georgia with several inches of snow. The beautiful winter wonderland is unfortunately coupled with hazardous driving conditions, causing many people to reconsider hitting the roads.
As the snow transitioned into ice as the sun went down, it led to power outages being expected across the area as well. Along with these concerns, more than 40 Walmart stores in the metro Atlanta area decided to shut their doors temporarily. If you’re planning to stock up on groceries or essentials, it’s a good idea to call ahead and confirm the store’s status before you make the trip.
Walmart’s Temporary Closures
These weather-related store closures have created quite the situation for residents, and the store’s management is committed to keeping everyone informed. Each store is sharing real-time updates on their operations, so you’ll want to check in frequently to see how things are changing.
Permanently Closing Two Locations
On a related note, two Walmart locations in metro Atlanta are scheduled for permanent closure on July 12. This includes the stores located at:
- 4725 Ashford Dunwoody Road in Dunwoody
- 3101 Roswell Road in Marietta
The closures have been attributed to underperformance as determined through a recent store performance review. But fear not for the employees! Those working at both locations will receive pay through September 20, and they have the option to transfer to other Walmart stores. Plus, the pharmacy teams will be ready to help customers shift their prescriptions to nearby locations.
To give you an idea of the scale, the Marietta store currently employs 92 individuals, while the Dunwoody store boasts 303 employees. Surprisingly enough, despite these closures, Walmart plans to keep its 213 other stores and Sam’s Clubs operational throughout Georgia.
Impact of the Winter Storm on Daily Life
The winter storm isn’t just causing a stir in the retail world. It’s impacting road conditions across metro Atlanta, and public transit services are also adjusting their operations. Residents can expect delays and possible changes to their normal routine. School districts and local offices are keeping a close eye on the weather and determining if snow and ice will force any closures or schedule changes.
Retail Industry Trends
As if that wasn’t enough, there’s a larger trend happening within the retail industry. This year has marked a 24% increase in store closures, and many are feeling the sting. The winter storm, coupled with these closures, is certainly putting a spotlight on the challenges that retailers face today.
So whether you’re shoveling snow, bundled up inside with a hot cocoa, or just trying to figure out your grocery plans, stay safe out there and keep an eye on those store updates. Meanwhile, enjoy the snow—but maybe not the icy roads! Remember, it’s always better to stay safe than sorry when winter weather strikes.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Atlanta Faces Major Retail Store Closures in 2024
Additional Resources
- 11Alive: Are Walmarts in Atlanta open during snow storm?
- 11Alive: Winter storm closures across metro Atlanta
- Fox5 Atlanta: Walmart closures in Dunwoody and Marietta
- Patch: 9 Retailers plan store closures in Georgia
- WSBTV: Walmart announces closure of 2 metro Atlanta locations
- Google Search: Walmart closures Atlanta
