Walmart closing one of three Simi Valley stores

Walmart announced Monday that one of its Simi Valley stores will be closing next month, a move that will impact roughly 130 employees.

The store at 2801 Cochran St. opened in January 2013 and is one of three Walmart locations in the city. It's slated to close May 18.

In a statement, company spokeswoman Tiffany Wilson said "the vast majority" of the 130 employees may be able to transfer to other Walmart locations.

More city news: Simi council hires cannabis consultant to advise it on possible pot tax ballot measure

Expanding its footprint: Aldi grand opening in Oxnard brings out hundreds of early shoppers

Food and drink: Cafe Society: Old Creek Ranch Winery near Ventura ready to pop a reopening cork

If full-time employees are not offered a comparable position, Wilson said that in many cases they would be eligible for severance if they are still employed on June 8.

The big-box retailer said it decided to close the store based on a standard review process, which includes looking at financial performance and the location's "strategic alignment with long-term plans."

"We received notice on Friday," said Samantha Argabrite, deputy city manager of Simi Valley.

That was the same day employees received notice about the layoffs, she said. The layoffs are expected to take effect June 8.

The notice, which is legally required when 50 or more employees are impacted by such a closure, allows public agencies an opportunity to work with employees.

It also allows the city to try to find other potential retailers interested in coming to town, Argabrite said.

"It's a prime retail location," she said.

At the intersection of Sycamore Drive and Cochran Street, the Walmart is located near a Target, a grocery store, coffee shop and other retailers.

Another Simi Valley Walmart located at 255 Cochran St. and a Walmart Neighborhood Market at 2204 Tapo St. both are expected to stay open.

The Arkansas-based company has 304 retail locations in California and more than 5,000 nationwide.