Congresswoman Terri Sewell issued the following statement after speaking with Walmart executives about the pending closure of the Walmart Supercenter in Fairfield, Alabama:

“I am disappointed that Walmart has chosen to close its Supercenter in Fairfield, Alabama. That store was a vital part of Fairfield’s local economy, and approximately 300 employees will lose their jobs as a result. The closure also creates a food desert in Fairfield, an underserved area where residents have few viable alternatives to purchase quality and affordable food.

“Creating jobs continues to be my top priority. The economy has turned back from the brink and is growing, but the recovery is far too modest and more needs to be done to address persistent unemployment. Closing this Walmart store will be a step in the wrong direction. Despite remarkable economic gains I believe that our work is not done. Too many working men and women continue to struggle just to provide the basic necessities for their families.

“The closing of the Walmart Supercenter in Fairfield is simply wrong for my constituents. Too many communities of color find themselves underserved and disadvantaged and closing this store will not help the situation. If we are to truly and substantively address these inequities, we must ensure that economic prosperity is a dream attainable to all who are willing to work for it. Closing this Walmart is the wrong thing to do!

“I have expressed my concerns to senior Walmart executives. My hope is that Walmart will reconsider this decision after analyzing the negative effect this would have on the Western Birmingham communities. Walmart is one of our nation’s largest employers, and it is critically important that they consider the impact of their decisions on the communities they serve.”

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