Wal-Mart Joins Russian Retail Lobby Group

Moscow Wal-Mart Stores has joined the Russian retail association, the lobby group said. The move indicates Wal-Mart’s growing interest in expanding into Russia.

Members of the association include Carrefour, Auchan, Metro AG, X5 Retail Group and Magnit.

In April, Wal-Mart appointed an executive to head its efforts to explore business opportunities in Russia and neighboring markets.

In June, the company also said it was "exploring opportunities in Russia," weeks after it acknowledged taking "active steps" to research Russia and nearby countries in Eastern Europe.