Yeah what no one talks about is those mom and pop stores were already losing business before Walmart closed. Folks drove the 22 miles up Hwy 6 to BCS to shop. Since anyone who works for a living typically worked in BCS, it was no big deal to pick stuff up on the way home.Burdizzo said:LOYAL AG said:ts5641 said:LOYAL AG said:aggiehawg said:
I remember when the small Walmart in Hearne was closed due to employee and customer theft. At that point, it was the first one ever to close. Of course by that time all of the Mom and Pop stores there had closed because they couldn't compete on the prices.
I used to laugh at Hearne for this story then I had a client there and got to know some of the local business community. After some time I came to it's a source of pride. I really didn't get the sense anyone was embarrassed by it.
How about the community members don't commit theft and the free market determines where people want to shop? People should be extremely embarrassed by their community if a major business and employer has to close because people can't quit pilfering.
Kind of what I thought. Just telling you that 30 years later from my very anecdotal experience they don't see it that way. Wal Mart decimated plenty of small towns and Hearne was one of them. In their case Hearne returned the favor. Not justifying anything.
So now Hearne residents drive to the WalMart in Bryan. Not only is Hearne losing the theft opportunity, they are losing sales tax too.
Is Ty Clevenger still blogging about Booger County?
buzzardb267 said:
We moved to Young County about 12 years ago. I went to the Walmart in Graham to pick up a prescription and said I would pay for it with the groceries. They said I had to pay at the pharmacy, and I asked why. They said they did an audit, and they lost $30.000 in one month to theft. They found receipts and the bags they place the prescriptions in all over the store. I understand most, if not all, Walmarts now have that policy, but at that time the one we used in Highland Village did not.
DannyDuberstein said:
Soon these cities will be ruled by the Fent Zombies
Burdizzo said:LOYAL AG said:ts5641 said:LOYAL AG said:aggiehawg said:
I remember when the small Walmart in Hearne was closed due to employee and customer theft. At that point, it was the first one ever to close. Of course by that time all of the Mom and Pop stores there had closed because they couldn't compete on the prices.
I used to laugh at Hearne for this story then I had a client there and got to know some of the local business community. After some time I came to it's a source of pride. I really didn't get the sense anyone was embarrassed by it.
How about the community members don't commit theft and the free market determines where people want to shop? People should be extremely embarrassed by their community if a major business and employer has to close because people can't quit pilfering.
Kind of what I thought. Just telling you that 30 years later from my very anecdotal experience they don't see it that way. Wal Mart decimated plenty of small towns and Hearne was one of them. In their case Hearne returned the favor. Not justifying anything.
So now Hearne residents drive to the WalMart in Bryan. Not only is Hearne losing the theft opportunity, they are losing sales tax too.
Is Ty Clevenger still blogging about Booger County?
AgDotCom said:Burdizzo said:LOYAL AG said:ts5641 said:LOYAL AG said:aggiehawg said:
I remember when the small Walmart in Hearne was closed due to employee and customer theft. At that point, it was the first one ever to close. Of course by that time all of the Mom and Pop stores there had closed because they couldn't compete on the prices.
I used to laugh at Hearne for this story then I had a client there and got to know some of the local business community. After some time I came to it's a source of pride. I really didn't get the sense anyone was embarrassed by it.
How about the community members don't commit theft and the free market determines where people want to shop? People should be extremely embarrassed by their community if a major business and employer has to close because people can't quit pilfering.
Kind of what I thought. Just telling you that 30 years later from my very anecdotal experience they don't see it that way. Wal Mart decimated plenty of small towns and Hearne was one of them. In their case Hearne returned the favor. Not justifying anything.
So now Hearne residents drive to the WalMart in Bryan. Not only is Hearne losing the theft opportunity, they are losing sales tax too.
Is Ty Clevenger still blogging about Booger County?
His BoogerCountyMafia.com and RedFacedDrunk.com sites are no longer active. His blog is still up but looks like he hasn't had an entry in 3 years....too bad because he was prolific and thorough. Here's one of his entries on the Robertson County DA he nailed.
Howdy Dammit said:
Isn't this from 2023?
jacketman03 said:Howdy Dammit said:
Isn't this from 2023?
Yes, it is. Regurgitated news from 2023.
Artimus Gordon said:
Well it looks like prices in poortland are going to to go up exponentially. That is If the mom & pops want to hang around and put up with the idiocy of their customers.
BigRobSA said:jacketman03 said:Howdy Dammit said:
Isn't this from 2023?
Yes, it is. Regurgitated news from 2023.
About closings happening in 2026. So....
Gaeilge said:BigRobSA said:jacketman03 said:Howdy Dammit said:
Isn't this from 2023?
Yes, it is. Regurgitated news from 2023.
About closings happening in 2026. So....
There are literally no Walmarts in Portland to close. This is regurgitated news. There are some close to Portland, but none in Portland since 2023.
The video specifically references the one on 82nd St. that closed in 2023.
Portlandia was a documentary.Ag with kids said:Artimus Gordon said:
Well it looks like prices in poortland are going to to go up exponentially. That is If the mom & pops want to hang around and put up with the idiocy of their customers.
Portland is about to become an Everything Desert...
Gaeilge said:BigRobSA said:jacketman03 said:Howdy Dammit said:
Isn't this from 2023?
Yes, it is. Regurgitated news from 2023.
About closings happening in 2026. So....
There are literally no Walmarts in Portland to close. This is regurgitated news. There are some close to Portland, but none in Portland since 2023.
The video specifically references the one on 82nd St. that closed in 2023.
Quote:
https://x.com/i/grok/share/ZXX7tHn6DVqgoOxKlmPt2Zgly
### Overview of the Claim
The X post from @WallStreetApes (posted December 28, 2025) claims that Walmart is "pulling their last 2 stores out of Portland Oregon" due to "rampant crime," framing it as a recent development that highlights out-of-control crime in the city. The attached video (Image ID: 2) appears to be a screenshot from a Fox News 21 segment titled "Crime Alert: Crime Riddled Shopping Center," discussing theft and safety issues at retail locations. This narrative has gained traction on X, with over 26,000 likes and discussions attributing the closures to Democrat-led policies, shoplifting, and lack of prosecutions. However, this is **not a new development**it's a recirculation of news from early 2023. Walmart is not "leaving Oregon" entirely; they closed their remaining Portland city stores over two years ago but continue to operate dozens of locations across the state.
### Factual Details on Walmart's Portland Closures
- **Timeline and Scope**: In February 2023, Walmart announced the closure of its last two stores within Portland city limits: one at 1123 N. Hayden Meadows Dr. (North Portland) and another at 4200 SE 82nd Ave. (East Portland). These closures took effect on March 24, 2023, resulting in approximately 580 layoffs. This followed earlier closures in the area, leaving no Walmart stores inside Portland proper as of mid-2023.
- **Stated Reasons**: Walmart officially cited "financial underperformance" and failure to meet "financial expectations" as the primary reasons. However, local reports and analysts interpreted this as linked to high rates of shoplifting and retail theft, exacerbated by Portland's challenges with crime, homelessness, and drug use. For instance, a 2023 Fox News report (matching the video in the post) highlighted "rampant community theft" at one of the locations, with employees and locals describing frequent shoplifting incidents. Walmart has faced similar issues nationwide, closing underperforming stores in other high-crime areas like Albuquerque, NM, and San Francisco, CA, in 2024.
- **Broader Context in Portland**: These closures are part of a larger trend of retail exits from Portland amid rising theft. Other chains like REI, Nike, Target (three stores in 2023), Macy's, and Starbucks have also shuttered locations, citing safety concerns and economic factors. Portland's decriminalization of small amounts of drugs (Measure 110, passed in 2020 but partially rolled back in 2024) and progressive policies on prosecution have been blamed by critics for contributing to the environment. However, Walmart emphasized that the decision was not a reflection on employees or customers but on overall business viability.
### Walmart's Current Presence in Oregon
Contrary to claims of Walmart "leaving Oregon," the company maintains a significant footprint in the state outside Portland:
- As of December 2025, Walmart operates approximately 45-50 stores in Oregon, including Supercenters, Neighborhood Markets, and Sam's Clubs. These are spread across cities like Salem, Eugene, Bend, Medford, Albany, and suburbs near Portland (e.g., Gresham, Beaverton, and Tigard).
- No new statewide closures have been announced in 2025. Walmart's U.S. store count stands at over 4,500, with Oregon's allocation remaining stable (around 45 stores as per 2023-2025 data). Recent news focuses on holiday hours (e.g., closed on Christmas 2025) rather than exits.
- Yelp and store directories confirm active Supercenters in the Portland metro area (e.g., in Happy Valley and Wood Village), debunking any full regional pullout.
### Why the Misinformation Persists
- The 2025 X post appears to be resurfacing a 2023 story without context, possibly for political commentary. Similar recirculations have occurred, with false claims like Walmart closing all U.S. stores on November 1, 2025, debunked by Snopes.
- On X, semantic searches show users sharing the post as "breaking" news, amplifying narratives about "Democrat-run cities" failing, but no verified 2025 closures. This aligns with broader 2025 discussions on retail theft in blue cities, but the Walmart-Portland story is outdated.
### Implications and Broader Impact
- **Community Effects**: The 2023 closures worsened food access in Portland's east side, creating "food deserts" in low-income areas. Residents now travel farther for affordable groceries, exacerbating economic strain.
- **National Trend**: Walmart closed a handful of underperforming stores in 2025 (e.g., one in Federal Way, WA), but no mass exits. Retail theft costs U.S. stores billions annually, prompting chains to invest in security or relocate.
- **Political Angle**: Critics link it to Oregon's policies, but Walmart has not publicly blamed crime exclusively, focusing on finances.
If this is for a new article, focus on fact-checking the viral claim, highlighting the 2023 timeline, and exploring ongoing retail challenges in Portland. For the latest, check Walmart's store locator directly.
IOW, Portland has been woke for a long time.sanangelo said:
Grok said this is a 2023 story recirculating for political reasons.Quote:
https://x.com/i/grok/share/ZXX7tHn6DVqgoOxKlmPt2Zgly
### Overview of the Claim
The X post from @WallStreetApes (posted December 28, 2025) claims that Walmart is "pulling their last 2 stores out of Portland Oregon" due to "rampant crime," framing it as a recent development that highlights out-of-control crime in the city. The attached video (Image ID: 2) appears to be a screenshot from a Fox News 21 segment titled "Crime Alert: Crime Riddled Shopping Center," discussing theft and safety issues at retail locations. This narrative has gained traction on X, with over 26,000 likes and discussions attributing the closures to Democrat-led policies, shoplifting, and lack of prosecutions. However, this is **not a new development**it's a recirculation of news from early 2023. Walmart is not "leaving Oregon" entirely; they closed their remaining Portland city stores over two years ago but continue to operate dozens of locations across the state.
### Factual Details on Walmart's Portland Closures
- **Timeline and Scope**: In February 2023, Walmart announced the closure of its last two stores within Portland city limits: one at 1123 N. Hayden Meadows Dr. (North Portland) and another at 4200 SE 82nd Ave. (East Portland). These closures took effect on March 24, 2023, resulting in approximately 580 layoffs. This followed earlier closures in the area, leaving no Walmart stores inside Portland proper as of mid-2023.
- **Stated Reasons**: Walmart officially cited "financial underperformance" and failure to meet "financial expectations" as the primary reasons. However, local reports and analysts interpreted this as linked to high rates of shoplifting and retail theft, exacerbated by Portland's challenges with crime, homelessness, and drug use. For instance, a 2023 Fox News report (matching the video in the post) highlighted "rampant community theft" at one of the locations, with employees and locals describing frequent shoplifting incidents. Walmart has faced similar issues nationwide, closing underperforming stores in other high-crime areas like Albuquerque, NM, and San Francisco, CA, in 2024.
- **Broader Context in Portland**: These closures are part of a larger trend of retail exits from Portland amid rising theft. Other chains like REI, Nike, Target (three stores in 2023), Macy's, and Starbucks have also shuttered locations, citing safety concerns and economic factors. Portland's decriminalization of small amounts of drugs (Measure 110, passed in 2020 but partially rolled back in 2024) and progressive policies on prosecution have been blamed by critics for contributing to the environment. However, Walmart emphasized that the decision was not a reflection on employees or customers but on overall business viability.
### Walmart's Current Presence in Oregon
Contrary to claims of Walmart "leaving Oregon," the company maintains a significant footprint in the state outside Portland:
- As of December 2025, Walmart operates approximately 45-50 stores in Oregon, including Supercenters, Neighborhood Markets, and Sam's Clubs. These are spread across cities like Salem, Eugene, Bend, Medford, Albany, and suburbs near Portland (e.g., Gresham, Beaverton, and Tigard).
- No new statewide closures have been announced in 2025. Walmart's U.S. store count stands at over 4,500, with Oregon's allocation remaining stable (around 45 stores as per 2023-2025 data). Recent news focuses on holiday hours (e.g., closed on Christmas 2025) rather than exits.
- Yelp and store directories confirm active Supercenters in the Portland metro area (e.g., in Happy Valley and Wood Village), debunking any full regional pullout.
### Why the Misinformation Persists
- The 2025 X post appears to be resurfacing a 2023 story without context, possibly for political commentary. Similar recirculations have occurred, with false claims like Walmart closing all U.S. stores on November 1, 2025, debunked by Snopes.
- On X, semantic searches show users sharing the post as "breaking" news, amplifying narratives about "Democrat-run cities" failing, but no verified 2025 closures. This aligns with broader 2025 discussions on retail theft in blue cities, but the Walmart-Portland story is outdated.
### Implications and Broader Impact
- **Community Effects**: The 2023 closures worsened food access in Portland's east side, creating "food deserts" in low-income areas. Residents now travel farther for affordable groceries, exacerbating economic strain.
- **National Trend**: Walmart closed a handful of underperforming stores in 2025 (e.g., one in Federal Way, WA), but no mass exits. Retail theft costs U.S. stores billions annually, prompting chains to invest in security or relocate.
- **Political Angle**: Critics link it to Oregon's policies, but Walmart has not publicly blamed crime exclusively, focusing on finances.
If this is for a new article, focus on fact-checking the viral claim, highlighting the 2023 timeline, and exploring ongoing retail challenges in Portland. For the latest, check Walmart's store locator directly.
If memory serves Portland is where that socialist restaurant where you could pay what you want for your meal was tried out. Yeah it only lasted a couple months.bmks270 said:
Local Farmers Markets will fill in the supply gap left by Walmarts exit.
/Portland voter.
e=mc2 said:DannyDuberstein said:
Soon these cities will be ruled by the Fent Zombies
FACT: Democrats love this and want more of it.
Muy said:e=mc2 said:DannyDuberstein said:
Soon these cities will be ruled by the Fent Zombies
FACT: Democrats love this and want more of it.
Admit it. Their balance is impressive.
oh no said:Muy said:e=mc2 said:DannyDuberstein said:
Soon these cities will be ruled by the Fent Zombies
FACT: Democrats love this and want more of it.
Admit it. Their balance is impressive.
I don't know. I'd hate to confuse impressive balance with just not enough opioids to fall all the way over yet.. or a picture taken right before the fall.
