Hundreds of McDonald’s locations inside Walmart stores to be closed cnbc.com

Photo: Businessinsider

McDonald’s said on Friday it is closing hundreds of restaurants inside of Walmart, ending more than 30 years of partnership with the retail giant at thousands of locations. The closures are expected to be finalized by the summer.

The coronavirus-induced pandemic has caused many customers to increasingly shop online and opt for the drive-thru window.

The box retailer said it will now have around 150 locations that remain across its 3,570 SuperCenters. That has gradually fallen over the years from a peak of about 1,000 locations.

Since the 90s, the two corporate giants have teamed up and made it possible for Walmart shoppers to order a burger and fries after filling up their shopping cart with groceries and other merchandise. Yet the pandemic has shaken up the way that customers prefer to shop and dine. McDonald’s announced last July that it was accelerating restaurant closings amid the coronavirus pandemic.

But Walmart officials told USA TODAY the spaces aren’t sitting empty. Taco Bell, Domino’s and others are reportedly moving in.

“These spaces have been freeing up over time. We have been and continue to fill them,” Walmart spokesperson Molly Blakeman said in a statement. “We’re looking to both restaurants and services that are really relevant to our customers.”

“We have a great opportunity with our leased-space business to help our stores become even more convenient and relevant to local communities,” Blakeman said. “We are excited to continue to bring in new businesses that make sense for our customers and their changing needs.”

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