One Walmart store is on the clock—what to do before time runs out
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If you’ve shopped at Walmart recently, you may want to check your local store’s status—especially if it’s one you visit often.
A major change is coming to one location, and it could affect both regular customers and hundreds of workers.
The announcement has left some shoppers surprised and others scrambling to adjust their routines.
While retail giants like Walmart continue to evolve, these kinds of changes still hit close to home.
Here’s what’s happening, and how it could shape future shopping trips.
Why the Coon Rapids, Minnesota store is closing
Walmart says the Coon Rapids, Minnesota store no longer meets expectations when it comes to sales and layout.
In a statement, the company noted the location has struggled financially and is considered outdated compared to its newer, more streamlined formats.
The decision echoes Walmart’s closure of its Brooklyn Center store at Shingle Creek Crossing last year—part of a broader trend in which underperforming locations are being phased out.
Also read: Walmart implements surprise restrictions on beauty products, leaving sellers scrambling
What happens to the employees
All 180 workers at the Coon Rapids store have been notified of the closure.
Fortunately, Walmart has confirmed that affected employees will be eligible for transfers to other nearby locations.
While any job transition brings uncertainty, the offer provides an opportunity for continuity.
Employees are encouraged to speak with store management about transfer procedures, severance packages, and other available resources as soon as possible.
Also read: Safety alert: Major products sold at Walmart recalled over deadly hazards
How shoppers can prepare before August 29
With less than a month to go, local shoppers who rely on the Coon Rapids store are being encouraged to take a few important steps:
Also read: Walmart responds to new tariffs: which prices go up and which stay locked in
Walmart’s larger strategy
While closures like this raise questions, Walmart remains a dominant player in the global economy.
In fact, for the 12th year in a row, the company ranked #1 on the Fortune Global 500 list—generating more revenue than any other company in the world.
The decision to close select stores reflects a larger effort to improve efficiency, boost online services, and align with modern consumer habits like mobile shopping, curbside pickup, and home delivery.
Also read: Walmart employee stunned by overnight 100% price jump on popular seafood item
Why Walmart doesn’t take Apple Pay
If you’ve ever wondered why you can’t use Apple Pay at Walmart, the company says it’s intentional.
CEO Doug McMillon recently explained that Walmart prefers customers use the company’s own app.
This lets the retailer offer in-app deals, assist with in-store navigation, and simplify checkout—all while encouraging users to stay within Walmart’s digital ecosystem.
As retail shifts online and technology reshapes the way we shop, physical stores are being evaluated more critically.
Store layouts, customer engagement, and digital integration all matter more than ever.
While longtime shoppers may miss the community feel of their local Walmart, others may embrace the new era of convenience and customization.
Read next: From heatstroke to amputation: The hidden dangers facing Walmart workers
Have you experienced a store closure in your town? Do you find yourself using the Walmart app more—or are you still someone who prefers in-person shopping trips? Whether you’re adapting with ease or holding onto old habits, we’d love to hear your take.
Let us know in the comments how you’re preparing for this change, and whether this shift in retail feels helpful or frustrating.
A major change is coming to one location, and it could affect both regular customers and hundreds of workers.
The announcement has left some shoppers surprised and others scrambling to adjust their routines.
While retail giants like Walmart continue to evolve, these kinds of changes still hit close to home.
Here’s what’s happening, and how it could shape future shopping trips.
A familiar sight for many Americans, large retailers continue to evolve as shopping habits change nationwide. Image Source: YouTube / 5NEWS.
Why the Coon Rapids, Minnesota store is closing
Walmart says the Coon Rapids, Minnesota store no longer meets expectations when it comes to sales and layout.
In a statement, the company noted the location has struggled financially and is considered outdated compared to its newer, more streamlined formats.
The decision echoes Walmart’s closure of its Brooklyn Center store at Shingle Creek Crossing last year—part of a broader trend in which underperforming locations are being phased out.
Also read: Walmart implements surprise restrictions on beauty products, leaving sellers scrambling
What happens to the employees
All 180 workers at the Coon Rapids store have been notified of the closure.
Fortunately, Walmart has confirmed that affected employees will be eligible for transfers to other nearby locations.
While any job transition brings uncertainty, the offer provides an opportunity for continuity.
Employees are encouraged to speak with store management about transfer procedures, severance packages, and other available resources as soon as possible.
Also read: Safety alert: Major products sold at Walmart recalled over deadly hazards
How shoppers can prepare before August 29
With less than a month to go, local shoppers who rely on the Coon Rapids store are being encouraged to take a few important steps:
- Make a shopping list: Now’s the time to stock up on essentials. Clearance deals may be offered as the store prepares to close.
- Transfer prescriptions: If you use the store's pharmacy, talk to staff about moving your prescriptions to another Walmart or nearby pharmacy.
- Use gift cards and make returns: Be sure to handle any outstanding store credit or product returns before the closing date.
- Explore other locations: Walmart has additional stores nearby and offers robust online shopping and delivery services through its app.
Also read: Walmart responds to new tariffs: which prices go up and which stay locked in
Walmart’s larger strategy
While closures like this raise questions, Walmart remains a dominant player in the global economy.
In fact, for the 12th year in a row, the company ranked #1 on the Fortune Global 500 list—generating more revenue than any other company in the world.
The decision to close select stores reflects a larger effort to improve efficiency, boost online services, and align with modern consumer habits like mobile shopping, curbside pickup, and home delivery.
Also read: Walmart employee stunned by overnight 100% price jump on popular seafood item
Why Walmart doesn’t take Apple Pay
If you’ve ever wondered why you can’t use Apple Pay at Walmart, the company says it’s intentional.
CEO Doug McMillon recently explained that Walmart prefers customers use the company’s own app.
This lets the retailer offer in-app deals, assist with in-store navigation, and simplify checkout—all while encouraging users to stay within Walmart’s digital ecosystem.
As retail shifts online and technology reshapes the way we shop, physical stores are being evaluated more critically.
Store layouts, customer engagement, and digital integration all matter more than ever.
While longtime shoppers may miss the community feel of their local Walmart, others may embrace the new era of convenience and customization.
Read next: From heatstroke to amputation: The hidden dangers facing Walmart workers
Have you experienced a store closure in your town? Do you find yourself using the Walmart app more—or are you still someone who prefers in-person shopping trips? Whether you’re adapting with ease or holding onto old habits, we’d love to hear your take.
Let us know in the comments how you’re preparing for this change, and whether this shift in retail feels helpful or frustrating.
