Wal-Mart to open scores of stores

-- Home Textiles Today, 10/5/2004 12:39:00 PM

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.'s Wal-Mart division plans to open 40 to 45 new discount stores and 240 to 250 new supercenters in the United States starting Feb. 1.

The company said that relocations or expansions of existing discount stores will account for approximately 160 of those supercenters, while the remainder will be new operating units, it stated.

Wal-Mart also stated that it will expand its Neighborhood Market concept by adding approximately 25 to 30 new units in the upcoming fiscal year.

The Sam's Club division will open 30 to 40 domestic clubs, approximately 20 of which will be relocations or expansions of existing clubs.

On the global side, Wal-Mart International plans to open 155 to 165 units in existing markets. The company said that relocations or expansions of existing stores will account for approximately 30 of these units, while the remainder will represent new operating units.

The company will also construct three new regional general merchandise distribution centers and three new food distribution centers during the next fiscal year. Combined, these six DC's will add over 5 million square feet of distribution space, stated Wal-Mart.