Walmart is reopening Chicago stores after sustaining damage from looting - Crain's Chicago Business

Walmart is planning to reopen all stores that were damaged by looting and fires in the past several days.

"We’re working to assess the situation with each location and are planning to reopen stores as soon as possible, recognizing the important role we play in so many impacted communities in providing for everyday needs," a Walmart spokesperson said in a statement.

Protests spread throughout the U.S. the past week after Minneapolis police killed George Floyd while he was in custody. Here in Chicago, some peaceful protests turned violent with widespread looting, fires and vandalism. Due to heavy looting and fire damage at some stores, rumors emerged that the retailer would choose to permanently close the locations, according to Alderman Howard Brookins Jr. (21st).

Brookins was particularly concerned that the Walmart supercenter at 83rd and Stewart would not reopen, because company officials had earlier complained to him that the location was already losing money.

"I’m ecstatic that they are recommitting to continue to invest in the 21st ward and the South Side in general," Brookins said. "It’s a much-needed resource and invaluable store for our community."

According to media reports, another Walmart Neighborhood Market store at the 4700 South block of Cottage Grove Ave. in Kenwood was also damaged over the weekend. An interview request with local Alderman, Sophia King (4th), was not answered.

The 2012 opening of that Walmart supercenter was part of a broader strategy from the retailer to establish its presence in Chicago and compete with well-known grocery stores like Jewel-Osco, Mariano’s Fresh Markets and Whole Foods. The Bentonville, Ark.-based retail giant operates eight stores in Chicago including supercenters and smaller, neighborhood stores.

A Walmart spokesperson said several stores remain closed and did not provide a timeline for when they reopen.

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