Walmart to cut greeters
5/22/2015, 10:45 a.m. | Updated on 5/22/2015, 2:42 p.m.
Walmart “greeters” soon will be losing their jobs.
After 35 years, the retail giant is eliminating the part-time positions reserved largely for retirees and disabled people.
Greeters at Richmond area stores have been told their positions will end June 19.
Those to be laid off are being offered an opportunity to fill other regular positions or to receive severance pay if they have been with the company long enough, according to several greeters who asked that their names not be used.
While most plan to leave quietly, some in the Richmond area already have or are planning to file complaints with the federal Equal Employment Opportunities Commission alleging age and disability discrimination. It is unclear whether the company can be barred from eliminating the positions.
Walmart officials did not respond to a Free Press request for comment on the decision to eliminate the greeter positions.
Retail analysts describe it as another cost-cutting move from a company under pressure from fast-growing discount retailers such as Dollar General and Dollar Tree.
The “people greeter” was an idea dreamed up by Walmart’s late founder, Sam Walton. He introduced the idea in 1980, believing such hospitality would help set Walmart apart.
Walmart began cutting back on greeters almost three years ago. In September 2012, the company eliminated them from the night shift and also brought them inside the store rather than having them stand outside to offer a cheery welcome.
