A temporary closure of an Atlanta Walmart Supercenter store will end next year. Upon reopening, there is a possibility that it will include an Atlanta Police Department substation.
According to reports, the Vine City store is aiming to reopen around mid-2024. Walmart says that they consulted with stakeholders and one of the potential modifications is including a law enforcement workspace. The store was temporarily shut down after a fire incident in December 2022. Shortly after, Mayor Andre Dickens pledged to reopen the store. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that all residents of the city have access to fresh and affordable food.
“Providing local police with a workspace inside stores isn’t a new feature. And we see efforts like what’s being considered for our future Vine City store as a way to better collaborate with law enforcement and support the community,” Walmart says.
In addition to discouraging shoplifting, the mini precinct will also function as a space for local police officers to recharge their batteries and complete administrative tasks. The mayor further mentioned that Walmart will utilize funds from a newly approved $1.5 million initiative aimed at enhancing access to fresh groceries in low-income neighborhoods.
“After talking with the Merchants Association on MLK Drive and Clark University and other people in the neighborhood. Folks were saying they want to see more police presence,” Dickens says.
Over 20 other Walmart stores across the U.S. have closed their doors this year due to poor performance. While the company hasn’t specifically linked these closures to retail theft, CEO Doug McMillon suggests that this could become a factor if the situation doesn’t improve.
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