The Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce confirmed Monday that the jobs of approximately 150 workers at the Walmart optical lab in the city have been eliminated.
A statement from Walmart attributed the job cuts to "changing business needs." The company indicated that it was hopeful the displaced workers could find other jobs at nearby Walmart stores and Sam's Club locations. The world's largest retailer also cut workers at its headquarters earlier this year.
Steve Clark, the president and chief executive of the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce, said Walmart would offer placement services for its workers and was providing two months severance pay for those who lost their jobs.
Approximately 450 workers will still be employed at the optical lab. Walmart is the third-largest employer in the city. The University of Arkansas is the city's top employer, and Washington Regional healthcare system is second.
-- John Magsam