Wal-Mart Canada plans $500 million expansion

Mississauga, Ont. – Wal-Mart Canada plans to complete 35 supercenter projects in the company's fiscal year which runs from February 1, 2014 to January 31, 2015. The company also will expand its distribution network to support its growth and will continue to expand its Canadian e-commerce operation.



The projects will represent a combined investment of close to $500 million in the Canadian economy during the next 12 months and will include the construction of new stores as well as the expansion, remodeling and relocation of existing stores. The investments will include more than $376 million for store projects, $91 million for distribution network projects to grow Walmart Canada's fresh food capability, and $31 million for e-commerce projects. The combined expansion is expected to generate more than 7,500 jobs during the next year, including construction jobs.



The locations for specific store and distribution center projects will be announced as specific projects become finalized. Expansion will bring Wal-Mart Canada's store count to 395 by the end of January 2015, including 282 supercenters and 113 discount stores.



"Customers in every region of Canada are looking to save money on their entire list of shopping needs," said Shelley Broader, Wal-Mart Canada's president and CEO. "Delivering on our commitment to help lower the cost of living is our top priority, and our growing network of supercenters and our expanding e-commerce offering enable us to do just that."