63 Sam’s Clubs Are Closing. Any In WNY?

Walmart on Thursday announced the closing of 63 Sam's Club stores across the country and Puerto Rico.  The closings will mean 11-thousand people will lose their jobs.

The announcement of the closings came on the same day that Walmart intends to increase starting hourly wages to $11.00 an hour, offer improved worker benefits and bonuses of up to $1000.  Employees were notified by notices sent by FedEx.

The closings are spread out across the United States from California to Massachusetts and Minnesota to Florida.  Three stores in Western New York are also on the closing list.

• 720 Fairmount Ave., Jamestown
• 700 Elmridge Center Road, Rochester
• 1600 Marketplace Dr., Rochester

Some of the stores closed immediately and employees were turned away when they reported for work.  Other stores will remain open for several weeks before closing.

The $45.00 Sam's Clubs membership fees will be refunded to customers who are affected by the closings.