Walmart closing on Route 22 in Readington

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Walmart will be closing its store on Route 22 in Readington.(Photo: Courtesy)

READINGTON - Walmart will be closing its store on Route 22.

Employees were told Thursday that the store will close Feb. 28 and Walmart has filed a notice with the state Department of Labor and Workforce Development that 143 employees will lose their jobs effective April 13.

"This tough decision to close the store is based on a number of factors, including financial performance and strategic alignment with long-term plans," said Philip Keene, director of corporate communications for Walmart. “The decision to close our Readington store is not an easy one, but, as a company, we are committed to continuing our growth and investment in New Jersey."

The company annually reviews the financial performance of its stores and other factors, Keene said.

The store's pharmacy will close Feb. 21 and staffers have already started transferring prescriptions to other pharmacies, Keene said.

Walmart will make every effort to find associates positions at other stores, Keene said.

"We care deeply about our associates impacted by this decision," he said. "We are hopeful that the majority of the associates at the store will want to continue their career with Walmart by transferring to another nearby store."

"I love this Walmart," Lisa Meszaros wrote on Facebook, saying that the Walmoart location is the "cleanest and friendliest ever."

The other Walmarts in Hunterdon County are on Route 31 in Raritan Township and on Route 513 off Route 78 in Franklin Township.

If associates cannot find new positions with Walmart, Keene said, salaried full-time associates who are not offered a comparable position with the company and are still employed April 13 will be eligible for severance.

Hourly full-time associates who have been employed at least one year or part-time associates who have been employed for at least five years and are not offered a comparable position, will be eligible for severance.

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Keene emphasized that the decision to  close the store was "not a reflection of their (associates) hard work and customer service. We opened this store in 2004 and we are as proud today as we’ve ever been with how associates have served and contributed to the local community over the years."

"We are grateful to the customers who have given us the privilege of serving them at our Readington location," Keene said. "We look forward to continuing to serve them at other area locations and online at walmart.com.”

Walmart operates more than 70 Walmart stores and Sam’s Clubs in New Jersey. The company will be opening a new training academy for New Jersey associates.

Less than a month ago, Walmart announced it was raising hourly wages, giving one-time bonuses and expanding benefits, citing the Republican tax overhaul.

The building, on the eastbound lanes of Route 22, used to house a Laneco, a regional chain that operated grocery and general merchandise stores under one roof. The chain went out of business in 2001. The Laneco in Franklin Township also became a Walmart.

Staff Writer Mike Deak: 908-243-6607; mdeak@mycentraljersey.com

 

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