Walmart is packing up several more stores thanks to a rampant rise in crime that’s plaguing Democrat-controlled American cities and making it nearly impossible for retailers to turn a profit.
Wally World, which recently announced the closure of its last two locations in the cesspool of Portland, Oregon, said it’s shutting the doors on four of its 8 stores in Chicago, where thieves have been permitted to make off with armfuls of stolen loot while city officials are busy berating police.
“The simplest explanation is that collectively our Chicago stores have not been profitable since we opened the first one nearly 17 years ago – these stores lose tens of millions of dollars a year, and their annual losses nearly doubled in just the last five years,” Walmart explained in a statement. “The remaining four Chicago stores continue to face the same business difficulties, but we think this decision gives us the best chance to help keep them open and serving the community.”
Translation? Even with dirt floor prices, we can’t stay in business in this godless hellhole.
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The announcement isn't exactly a shock to anyone who's been paying attention. Walmart had to close one of its Chicago stores for weeks for major renovations and repairs - twice - after looters repeatedly wrecked it back in 2020.
ABC News reported in February of 2022 that "[a]n I-Team data analysis shows in 2020, theft accounted for $4 billion in losses to retailers in Illinois. Organized retail theft has increased 60% nationwide in the last five years."
And businesses are responding. Tyson's Citibank, and Boeing all moved their offices out of the Chicago area last year. Banana Republic said they're leaving the city when its lease expires in 2023, while Old Navy opted not to renew their lease on their flagship store in downtown Chicago when it ran out last year. According to CBS News, the Illinois Retail Merchants Association said retail vacancy is now at about 20%.
You get what you get when you do what you do. And when you prioritize criminals over cops to score social justice points, everyone loses.