Employees and customers were greeted by a sign reading, “Sam’s Club is closed today,” as stores nationwide shut down unannounced.
The Walmart-owned company announced the closing of 63 stores Thursday, but the message came too late for many employees who were never informed.
Footage shows a group of confused employees and customers in Rochester, New York standing outside of the building wondering what’s going on.
Sam’s Club customers and employees frustrated after walking straight into a “CLOSED” sign at the store’s entrance in #Greece @News_8 #roc pic.twitter.com/UohSYY7UYU
— Jeannie McBride (@jeanniemcbride_) January 11, 2018
After a thorough review of our existing portfolio, we’ve decided to close a series of clubs and better align our locations with our strategy. Closing clubs is never easy and we’re committed to working with impacted members and associates through this transition.
— Sam's Club (@SamsClub) January 11, 2018
A woman on Facebook also described receiving the news via FedEx.
Sam’s Club letter to employees – which they received today. “… Difficult Decision to close Sam’s Club 8179 in Rochester, NY”. @News_8 pic.twitter.com/dOwrj8H7lf
— Jeannie McBride (@jeanniemcbride_) January 11, 2018
The decision comes after Walmart released plans to increase wages for many employees to $11 an hour, expand benefits and give out bonuses.
AP reached out for comments from employees who showed up to work and found the store closed.
Are you a Sam's Club employee who showed up to work today and found the store closed? AP would like to hear from you. Messsage @Alexolson99 Or email: [email protected]
— AP Business News (@APBusiness) January 11, 2018
Twitter users expressed their outrage and pushed Sam’s Club to the top of the trending section, many blaming President Trump for the closures.
Wal-Mart with the smoke and mirrors, I get business is business, damn no notice, but signs on a door. I’m just a membered customer, I can’t imagine how Sam’s Club employees feel. Brutal, savagely callous, unsparingly uncomfortable, lacking any attempt to disguise distastefulness.
— J.D. (@iownjd) January 11, 2018
Walmart this morning: We're giving everyone pay raises and bonuses!
Walmart this afternoon: We're also closing a slew of Sam's Club stores and laying off thousands https://t.co/SmcBI9Xm9b
— Bob Bryan (@RobertBryan4) January 11, 2018
WalMart ups employee pay to $11/hr AND gives certain employees a 1 time bonus of $1000. On the same day, they close a bunch of Sam's Club by telling the employees when they showed up for work. pic.twitter.com/ul8Kgnwz0d
— Scott 🦁 (@TheScottfather) January 11, 2018
Whoops. Oh well, I’m sure eventually Republicans will find a job created by their tax bill. https://t.co/YbitqgHUpi
— Matthew Chapman (@fawfulfan) January 11, 2018
BREAKING: As Trump takes credit for the Walmart bonuses — which averages out to just $190 per employee — Walmart also closed at least 29 Sam's Club stores today, laying off thousands. They plan on closing more stores in the coming days! Of course Trump won't mention that!
— Ed Krassenstein (@EdKrassen) January 11, 2018
https://twitter.com/krassenstein/status/951557803486994433
Shares in wholesale competitor Costco rose after news of the closures.
Costco, when Sam’s Club abruptly closes 63 stores:$COST pic.twitter.com/JxKVlwiLN9
— Carl Quintanilla (@carlquintanilla) January 11, 2018
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