Massapequa Walmart to Close

Walmart will be closing its Sunrise Mall branch in Massapequa, according to Westfield Mall officials.

Westfield announced Monday that Walmart decided not to renew its lease at Sunrise Mall after nearly 12 years occupying the location.

“We view this departure as an exciting opportunity to add new elements, energy, choice and convenience to the center as can be seen with the recent additions of trendy new retailers including A’GACI, F&F and Windsor,” Westfield officials said in a statement.

In a statement published by Newsday, Walmart spokesman William C. Wertz said, “Closing the store was a business decision based on the company’s analysis of our lease agreement at Sunrise Mall, which is expiring, coupled with our limited ability to offer a full assortment of fresh food and grocery at this particular location due to the store’s layout.”

• Sign up for your local Patch newsletter and breaking news alerts here

The Massapequa branch employs about 300 people who were notified Monday of the closure, which is set for March 6, according to the Newsday report.

Westfield representatives said they believe they will be able to successfully fill the vacant space with other successful occupants.

“Retailers routinely evaluate options and prospects, as do landlords and developers like Westfield,” officials said. “Westfield has a very strong track record of recovering former department store real estate and reorienting the merchandise mix with new anchors, specialty shops, restaurants, leisure, entertainment, and lifestyle options for our customers.”

More on Patch:

• Hofstra Lacrosse Player Dies After Car Crash
• Cops: Man Sold Pot to Undercover Cop in East Meadow
• LI Crimes: Drunk Street Sweeper, Thieves Crash Dump Truck Into Macy’s, 106 MPH and Drunk With Kids in Car
• Cops: Fake Cab Driver Beat, Robbed Passenger in Merrick
• Nassau Police: 30 Unlocked Cars Burglarized in 2 Weeks
• Nearby: Man Surrenders in Deadly Freeport Shooting
• Police: Drunk Man Steals Cab With 5 People Inside in Wantagh
• Police: 2 Long Beach Men Shot Thursday Morning
• Nearby: Hempstead Pharmacy Robbed at Knifepoint
• Police: Glen Cove Man Drove Drunk at 106 MPH With His 3 Kids in Car
• Cops Save Man, Grandson From New Year’s Eve House Fire
• Huntington Woman Suing Airline After Arrest Over Seat Change