In recent developments, Dollar General has announced the closure of five of its stores in New Orleans, most of which are located in the New Orleans East area. This decision has sparked significant concerns among community members and activists, who fear that these closures will exacerbate the existing issue of food deserts in the region.
The closures are slated to occur by mid-August, with the company offering affected employees the opportunity to transfer to nearby stores.
Community Response to Store Closures
The closures have not gone unnoticed by the local community, many of whom rely heavily on Dollar General for their everyday shopping needs. Shoppers outside one of the soon-to-be-closed locations expressed their frustration and disappointment. Many are upset that the stores they depend on are being shuttered, particularly in an area where access to affordable groceries and household items is already limited.
Former employees and community activists have been vocal about the potential impact of these closures. Tony Barton, a former employee at one of the affected locations on Morrison Road, highlighted that theft was a significant factor contributing to the decision to close these stores.
According to Barton, shoplifting was a major challenge for the store, and the resulting losses made it difficult for the store to remain viable. He also pointed out issues with store management and supervision, as well as problems with the physical condition of the stores, including mold and inadequate air conditioning.
The Role of Theft and Safety Concerns
The New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) has provided data supporting Barton’s claims about theft. The Dollar General on Chef Menteur Highway near Reid Boulevard has had 18 calls for service related to theft since January. The Morrison Road location, which has already closed, saw around 27 theft-related incidents in the same period. These statistics underscore the challenges these stores faced in maintaining a safe and profitable operation in the area.
The persistent issue of theft not only affected the stores’ bottom line but also made some community members feel unsafe shopping at these locations. Barton noted that the fear of theft and the associated safety risks deterred some customers from visiting the stores, further compounding the financial difficulties faced by Dollar General in the area.
Concerns Over Growing Food Deserts
One of the most pressing concerns arising from the closures is the potential for worsening food deserts in New Orleans East. Food deserts are areas where residents have limited access to affordable and nutritious food. With the closure of these Dollar General stores, many residents will find it even more challenging to access fresh produce and other essential groceries.
Aisha Kelly, a community activist, emphasized the broader implications of the closures. She warned that as more stores close, vacant storefronts could become a breeding ground for further social and economic problems in the area.
Additionally, Kelly pointed out that the closures would create a significant gap in access to fresh meat, produce, and other quality foods, particularly for those who lack the means to travel to distant grocery stores like Walmart or Target.
The closures will impact not only those who relied on Dollar General for groceries but also the approximately 50 employees who will lose their jobs. For residents without personal transportation, reaching alternative grocery stores will be a major challenge, further exacerbating the issue of food insecurity in the region.
Corporate Response and Broader Implications
In response to the closures, a spokesperson for Dollar General stated that after a thorough review, the company decided to close the five stores by mid-August. The spokesperson also noted that affected employees would have the opportunity to transfer to nearby stores. However, the company declined to provide specific reasons for the closures.
This development comes at a time when Dollar General is facing broader scrutiny. In March, the company announced plans to open an additional 800 stores nationwide, despite the closures in New Orleans. Furthermore, last month, the U.S. Department of Labor announced a settlement with Dollar General requiring corporate-wide safety investments in stores nationwide.
The company was also ordered to pay $12 million in penalties and implement safety improvements, including reducing inventory levels to enhance store safety.
Conclusion
The closure of five Dollar General stores in New Orleans East has raised significant concerns about the growing problem of food deserts in the area. With limited access to affordable and nutritious food, residents are at risk of increased food insecurity, particularly those without the means to travel to distant grocery stores. The impact on the local community is profound, affecting not only access to food but also employment opportunities.
As Dollar General continues to expand its presence nationwide, the situation in New Orleans East serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by underserved communities in accessing essential services and goods.
