Walmart Closing Final Locations in Major US City, Months After CEO Warning About Retail Theft

Months after Walmart CEO Doug McMillon issued a warning about how rampant theft will impact its decion-making, the company announced its final two stores in Portland, Oregon, are closing at the end of the month.

“The decision to close these stores was made after a careful review of their overall performance. We consider many factors, including current and projected financial performance, location, population, customer needs, and the proximity of other nearby stores when making these difficult decisions. After we decide to move forward, our focus is on our associates and their transition, which is the case here,” a Walmart spokesperson told KPTV. 

The decision to close the two remaining locations on March 24 comes after McMillon warned in December how the company may have to respond to address an uptick in retail crimes.  

"Theft is an issue. It’s higher than what it has historically been,” he said on CNBC. “If that’s not corrected over time, prices will be higher and/or stores will close."

Commenting on the news, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said it's what happens when city leaders "refuse to enforce the rule of law" and allow mob rule.