Wal-Mart on expansion trail
Aggressive US and international growth planned for 2004
October 1 2003
Wal-Mart has announced plans for ‘aggressive unit growth’ in both the US and internationally during its financial year starting in February 2004.
In the US, Wal-Mart plans to open up to 55 new discount stores and 230 new Supercenters. Relocations or expansions of existing discount stores will account for around 140 of the Supercenters, while the rest will be built in new locations.
The world’s biggest retailer will also further expand its Neighborhood Market concept with up to 30 new stores, while its Sam’s Club division will open up 40 new outlets, including around 20 relocations.
Internationally, Wal-Mart plans to open up to 140 stores in existing markets, which includes its UK supermarket chain Asda. Relocations or expansion of existing stores will account for approximately 30 of these international stores.
Last week, Asda was blocked from acquiring the rival Safeway business, but has the opportunity to acquire up to 12 of the stores which Morrisons will have to sell off if it goes ahead with a takeover.
