Walmart Canada to open 29 supercenters; expand DC network to support e-commerce growth

Mississauga, Ontario -- Wal-Mart Stores is giving a big boost to its Canadian operations even as Target shuts downs its failed Canadian venture. In January, Walmart Canada opened 11 supercenters across the country and on Wednesday the chain announced plans to open an additional 29 supercenters over the next 12 months, as well as remodel and expand several locations to add full grocery departments, expand its distribution network to support food and e-commerce growth, and beef up its online offerings. The expansion will bring Walmart Canada's store count to 396 locations by the end of January, 2016, with 309 super centers and 87 discount stores.



“Our mission is to provide multiple access points for customers to save money,” said Dirk Van den Berghe, president and CEO of Walmart Canada. “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.”



Total capital spending for the projects is expected to be approximately $270 million (U.S. dollars). The expenditure investment is part of Wal-Mart Stores' global fiscal year 2016 capital commitment, which was previously announced.



Walmart said the locations of specific store and distribution center projects will be announced over the coming weeks and months as projects become finalized.