County Commissioner launches effort to save Italy Walmart

Submitted photo.

Paul Perry, Ellis County Commissioner Pct. 3

ITALY — Precinct 3 Ellis County Commissioner Paul Perry has launched a petition to try and convince Walmart from closing the Italy, Texas location.

"It doesn't always work, but perhaps we in the Italy, Milford, and Avalon area and the rest of southern Ellis County should start a petition to save our Walmart," Perry said in a written statement.

Time is critical; the store is scheduled to close on Thursday, January 28.

Perry created an online petition on Saturday, January 16 and plans to distribute hard copies as well.

The petition states:

"The closure of the Walmart Neighborhood Market in Italy, Texas, would be an economic setback to our growing community.

Our citizens, especially our elderly residents, have come to rely on the accessibility of a local pharmacy. We all appreciate the competitive pricing and good service.

Our community very much appreciates the jobs, the activity, and the economic stimulation that your store provides in our area.

Please reconsider the effect that the closure of your store will have upon us all.

We, the undersigned, respectfully request that the closure of our Walmart Neighborhood Market in Italy, Texas, be stopped."

Click here to visit and sign the online petition.

On Friday, January 15, Walmart announced plans to close 269 stores in the U.S. and globally. Locations in Italy, Palmer and Grandview are among 20 stores in Texas that are slated to close on Thursday, January 28.

Click here to read previous coverage of the Walmart closings.