Sam's Club announces store closures

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. - During a sudden nationwide closure of retail giant Sam's Club, the Lithonia location has closed.

The store is located on Turner Hill Road near Stonecrest Mall. The company announced via its official Twitter page that some of the chain's stores will close.

A spokesperson from the Sam's Club corporate office told FOX 5 News that a memo was sent to employees on Thursday morning.

The closures come on the heels of Sam's Club owner, Walmart, recent announcement that it is raising its hourly wages for $11 and giving employees bonuses due to a tax return.

RELATED: Walmart raises starting wages, handing out $1K bonuses

Loyal customers and employees called it a slap in the face. The sudden closing has devastated employees like Sabrina Meadows. She worked a full shift Wednesday and said there was no indication of the nationwide slashing of 63 stores.

“You treat us like a chess piece. We were nobody to you,” said Meadows.

“Walmart Corporation didn't give us any notice at all. They didn't give the employees notice. I am outraged,” said Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary.

Walmart in a statement said, "Closing clubs is never easy and we're committed to working with impacted members and associates through this transition."

Sam's Club will allow customers to still fill prescriptions for the next two weeks, but many of the regulars just don't understand.

“I don't know what's going on behind closed doors. This place was always packed,” said customer Jaylen Dupree.