Posted on 04/17/2015 7:42:14 AM PDT by FR_addict
BRANDON, Fla. - Walmart stores across the country suddenly closed Monday, supposedly as a result of plumbing problems.
Now a Hillsborough County commissioner who has worked closely with the company for years says he has plenty of questions.
In Midland, Texas, which, until Monday, was home to one of the 10 busiest Walmart stores in the country, City Building Official Steve Thorpe told the I-Team his plumbing inspector was sent away when he visited the closed store and offered to help secure permits.
While the company claimed to have an average of 100 to 150 plumbing issues a year in recent years, a longtime employee of a tax service located in the store told the I-Team she never saw a plumber or an "out of order" restroom in the three years she worked inside the store.
...At the Brandon Walmart Monday night, a five-hour, unadvertised going-out-of-business sale was held after employees were informed the store would be closed for at least six months for plumbing and other renovations.
The store pays more than $243,000 a year in Hillsborough County ad valorem taxes and collects many times that amount in sales tax revenues.
The store appeared to have been fully stocked with perishables when the sudden closure was announced. ... The I-Team has learned no plumbing permits have been pulled in any of the five cities where the stores were suddenly closed for at least six months.
Permits in Midland show 70 plumbing fixtures were just replaced in an eight-week period three years ago.
That store never closed during that renovation.
Hillsborough County Commissioner Victor Crist says Walmart officials didn't even mention plumbing issues when they reached out to him, informing him of the closure which affected more than 400 workers. ...
(Excerpt) Read more at abcactionnews.com ...
Of course, my suspicion might be incorrect (about labor intimidation). But also, companies occasionally blow it when they try such a ploy.
You raise a good point though. Undo attention has been drawn.
Walmart is getting hammered in the market lately. Selling below their 50 and 200 day average.
That may be what is going on now.
That's the angle the article at Drudge is taking. Closing stores that want to unionize.
It’s amazing that they would let all those goods just sit there, but I guess they figure it’s better than allowing the union in. Perhaps these 6 stores are to be made an example of — if you want to unionize, Walmart will close the store for “plumbing reasons.” I guess they will have to apply for plumbing permits now that they are being investigated.
That would be the Jacksonville store. It remains open but the meat comes in cut and pre-packaged negating the need for the meat cutters. I’ve shopped there several times.
What’s the gripe? Everyone hates Walmart, so now some stores have closed.
NOW everyone is screaming about it! Maybe the five fingered discount no longer works in those areas.
LOL yeah we buy boxed and canned stuff at WM and meat and vegetables at a local place. Also meat from Costco if we’re doing a big crew like family Christmas, Easter, or summer party. When you’re retired, you have time to double shop.
I wasn't sure what the reason for the closings was, but I don't believe it's plumbing. I think the most likely reason is that WalMart is using the plumbing as an excuse to stop the unionizing of its employees.
FYI.. I shop at the Brandon store a few times a month. It’s always clean, well stocked, and well staffed..unlike some others. It’s in a good area. I was actually planning on going tomorrow, until I read this..
This is a MAJOR CYA move. Replacing plumbing, urinals, etc would be done by sectioning off the repair are and letting the store continue to operate and take in constant revenue receipts.
My guess.. this is some type of issue that has to do with MATERIALS currently inherent within the building structure itself.
Sounds like a buying opportunity to me.
I am thinking of moving sum into SPY or QQQ on Monday.
The Walmart CEO also went ape over Indiana’s law to protect religious liberty. The culture of that corporation has sure been turned up-side-down.
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