Livingston Walmart closing for 6 months, displacing 400 workers

LIVINGSTON, TX (KTRE) - Walmart is closing the Livingston store for six months starting Monday night for renovations and displacing around 400 workers in the process, according to a company official.

Company spokeswoman Anne Hatfield said full-time and part-time employees are being told they could be transferred if they wish. Those who are not transferred may be qualified for a 60-day severance package.

Walmart is closing to renovate the store and fix plumbing issues that could not be resolved without closing the store.

The pharmacy and vision department will remain open for 14 days, Hatfield said."Deciding to close a store is not a decision we make lightly, but after careful consideration, we felt it was necessary to make these repairs so we can better serve our customers and the community in the long run," said Anne Hatfield, a Walmart spokeswoman.

Livingston resident Phil Asper explains he visits Walmart about eight times a week and explained the final hours of the store's operation to be busy.

"Drove up and the parking lot was completely full," said Asper. "Went inside and I saw one of my friends there and he told me that it had been shut down. So, I got a hair cut and some razors and that was it. A lot of people in there not in a very good mood."

Asper explains the inconvenience of the closure is especially tasking on his health.

"I got about 20 prescriptions and Blue cross Blue Shield with Medicare, they give me a special deal at Walmart, so I am going to have to shopping to find some place else to get all my medicine," said Asper.

As a frequent shopper, he is saddened to see those familiar workers out of a job.

"I'm going to miss some of the people there. Some of them are really nice."

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