Walmart Canada Plans 37 Supercenters in 2013

MISSISSAUGUA, Ontario — Walmart Canada here on Tuesday said it plans to complete at least 37 supercenter projects in the company’s next fiscal year, which begins Feb. 1.

The company also said it would expand its distribution network to support its ongoing store growth. The distribution center projects, construction of new stores, and expansion, remodeling or relocation of existing stores represents an investment of more than $450 million, the retailer said. These expansion plans are expected to generate more than 7,000 store, trade and construction jobs.

“Our associates across the country have done an incredible job this past year serving our customers and opening a record number of new stores and supercentres,” Shelley Broader, president and chief executive officer of Walmart Canada, said in a statement. “This year, we are ramping up our focus on lowering prices and helping customers lower their cost of living, as we continue to bring our supercenter format to more Canadians.”

Walmart said it would announce specifics of its projects as details are finalized throughout the year. The company said that nine supercenters were due to open in Canada this Friday, bringing its total to 379 stores and 209 supercenters. The company opened 73 new projects in the current year, including the conversion of 39 former Zellers locations.