Wal-Mart Canada plans aggressive expansion
by The Canadian Press
The world's largest retailer says the move will generate about 3,700 construction jobs, 1,000 store jobs and 300 distribution centre jobs across Canada
MISSISSAUGA, Ont.—Wal-Mart Canada says it plans to complete another 29 supercentre projects in the fiscal year beginning Feb. 1.
The retailer says the expansion is expected to generate about 3,700 construction jobs, 1,000 store jobs and 300 distribution centre jobs across Canada.
The new supercentres are in addition to the 11 Wal-Mart supercentres that opened across Canada in January.
Wal-Mart Canada says the supercentre projects will cost about $230 million and include the remodelling and expansion of several stores to add full grocery departments.
Another $75 million will be spent to add distribution centres and $35 million will be spent on e-commerce initiatives, raising the total capital outlay to about $340 million.
Wal-Mart says the locations of specific store and distribution centre projects will be announced over the coming weeks and months as projects become finalized.
The expansion will bring Wal-Mart Canada’s store count to 396 by the end of January, 2016, consisting of 309 supercentres and 87 discount stores.
“Our mission is to provide multiple access points for customers to save money,” said Wal-Mart Canada president and CEO Dirk Van den Berghe.
“We will deliver on this commitment through a range of channels including our expanding network of supercentres, our accelerating e-commerce business, and our in-store pick up services.”
