AUBURN – Because it wasn’t getting enough shoppers to justify the costs of being open ’round the clock, the Auburn Wal-Mart will no longer be open 24 hours a day.

Starting tonight, the Auburn store will close at midnight and open at 6 a.m. Sunday.

A sign on the store Friday said the change was being made “in order to better serve you with a cleaner, faster, better stocked store.” Beginning Feb. 28 store hours will be 6 a.m. to midnight, seven days a week, the sign read.

Auburn store personnel declined to comment, referring calls to corporate offices in Benton, Ark. Speaking from the headquarters there, spokeswoman Ashley Hardie said the decision to not remain open 24 hours “was made based on consumer shopping patterns. We believe we can continue to meet the needs of customers in the community with the new operating schedule.”

No layoffs happened because of the change, Hardie said. Overnight workers were offered jobs on day shifts, she said.

Shoppers offered mixed reactions.

Barbara Brackett was disappointed.

“I think it should be open 24/7,” Brackett said. When shopping after midnight, “it’s a mess in here.” Shelves are being stocked, “and it’s hard to get around,” she said.

But, Brackett said she lives in Livermore, works in the Lewiston area as a nurse, and often works late. “I’d rather go shopping when I get out of work,” which saves her 40 minutes of driving. “It’s much easier and cheaper on gas.”

Leigh Cloutier said the change doesn’t bother her. She never shops overnight, she said. Closing at midnight is a way for Wal-Mart to save on energy, she said. “Any shopping that needs to be done can be done by 11 p.m.”

A University of Maine economics professor said the Auburn store has lots of company.

“They’re not the only Wal-Mart or big box store cutting its night hours,” said James McConnon. Fewer shoppers behaving more frugally means less reasons to keep stores constantly open, he said. With widespread layoffs and job uncertainty, “consumers are being very careful with spending.” Retail is taking the brunt, McConnon said.

Like the nation, Maine consumers spent less in 2008. Maine consumer sales fell 2.1 percent last year, he said.

“With sales dropping retailers have to adjust and make efficiencies,” he said. “Their biggest expense, besides their inventory, is personnel. All stores are examining very carefully their customers’ buying patterns and making adjustments.”

Consumer spending is an important part of the economy, and it accounts for 70 percent of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product, McConnon said. Experts don’t expect the economy to begin recovering until 2010. “And that will depend on a lot of things,” McConnon said. “The housing market needs to see significant recovery for the rest of the economy to improve.”

Despite all that, Wal-Mart sales have been stronger than other retailers, McConnon said. Nationally Wal-Mart increased sales in 2008 by 2.8 percent, McConnon said. Sam’s Club sales increased 0.1 percent last year.