Walmart

While Walmart continues to fine tune its small format Express concept, ample opportunity awaits in the C-store space.

The latest data from Nielsen shows the number of U.S. convenience stores continues to expand and last year set a new record with 149,220 units. Roughly 63% of those units are independent operators who presumably charge higher prices than what would be available at Walmart’s convenience stores.

Oakbrook Terrace, Ill. -- A Friday report by Mid-America Real Estate Corp. found that 2012 shopping center construction in the Chicagoland area grew 10% year-over-year, after a four-year decline.

According to the 2012-2013 Chicagoland Shopping Center Report, square footage increased from 1.02 million sq. ft. of space in 2011 to 1.14 million sq. ft. – a difference of about 113,000 sq. ft.

By Bradley W. Snyder, [email protected]

James Cordero, senior director of Walmart’s Smart Network, is among four new appointees to the advisory board of the Digital Signage Expo.

New Delhi -- An Indian official said Thursday that India’s Cabinet will investigate allegations that Wal-Mart Stores Inc. broke rules as it lobbied to make its retail market debut in the country.

According to Manish Tewari, information and broadcasting minister for India, the cabinet has authorized a retired judge to look into Wal-Mart’s lobbying disclosures and investigate whether any of the retailer’s activities broke Indian law.
     

Berlin, Vt. -- Berlin Mall LLC announced it has cleared the last two permitting hurdles to begin an 18,700-sq.-ft. expansion of The Berlin Mall, located in Berlin, Vt. The expansion is part of a planned increase in the size of its Walmart anchor store, which will also expand into existing, adjoining retail space at the mall
     
Construction is slated to start spring 2013.
 

New Delhi -- According to a Thursday report by Reuters, Wal-Mart Stores Inc. is examining the conditions around India’s decision to allow supermarkets to open stores in the country.

Walmart’s store count in Canada will increase by nine units during the coming fiscal year following an exceptional rate of growth in 2012.

Bentonville, Ark. -- Wal-Mart Stores is tightening the reins on its global suppliers. Effective March 1, the retailer is implementing a "zero tolerance" policy for any supplier who subcontracts work to factories without the company’s knowledge, the Associated Press reported. Previously, Wal-Mart gave suppliers three chances to correct mistakes.

As part of the new rules, Wal-Mart will require all factories in Bangladesh to undergo an electrical and building safety assessment from an independent agency.

New York -- Walmart on Tuesday updated its plans for its Canadian division, saying that it plans to complete at least 37 supercenter projects in the country during the company’s next fiscal year (February 1, 2013 to January 31, 2014). The announcement comes a couple of months before Target Corp.’s spring launch of its stores in Canada.