Wal-Mart Slows Supercenter Growth

Bentonville, Ark. Wal-Mart Stores Inc. said Wednesday it will open 80 supercenter stores in the first quarter, part of a plan to moderate its supercenter store growth. The company opened 195 supercenters last fiscal year and plans to open 170 this year.

“We’re focused on expansions and relocations of existing discount stores to Supercenters, because the Supercenter concept provides the greatest return,” said Bill Simon, COO of Wal-Mart Stores U.S., in a statement. “This will result in building fewer new stores.” Wal-Mart also said  it plans to open a  total 81 new stores and clubs in March. Seventy-three of the stores opened this week. Two of the new stores are Wal-Mart’s energy-efficient store model.