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Walmart will invest close to $500 million to build 35 Canadian supercentres in 2014, as well as expand its distribution network and e-commerce projects. These projects will create more than 7,500 new store, distribution network, construction, and e-commerce jobs. The 35 supercentre projects will add about one million square feet of retail space to the Canadian market.
The following is from Walmart Canada’s press release:
Walmart Canada announced today that it plans to complete 35 supercentre projects in the company’s fiscal year which runs from February 1, 2014 to January 31, 2015. The company also announced it will expand its distribution network to support its growth and will continue to expand its e-commerce operation, walmart.ca.
The projects will represent a combined investment of close to $500 million in the Canadian economy over the next year 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 over the next year, including construction jobs.
“Customers in every region of Canada are looking to save money on their entire list of shopping needs,” said Shelley Broader, Walmart 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 supercentres and our expanding walmart.ca offering enable us to do just that.”
Walmart Canada’s supercentres provide an unparalleled one-stop shopping experience. Each store carries more than 100,000 products ranging from groceries to apparel, home decor and electronics as well as specialty services such as pharmacies, garden centres and vision centres.
Walmart Canada’s online store — walmart.ca — is growing rapidly and offers more than 150,000 products including everyday needs such as toothpaste, shampoo, dry grocery items including gluten-free products, electronics, furniture, fitness equipment, barbecues, patio sets, and toys for children of all ages. The site offers a growing range of services including free shipping throughout most of Canada and easy Canada Post pick up.
The locations for specific store and distribution centre projects will be announced as specific projects become finalized. Today’s announcement will bring Walmart Canada’s store count to 395 by the end of January, 2015, including 282 supercentres and 113 discount stores.
About Walmart Canada: Walmart Canada operates a growing chain of 389 stores nationwide, including 247 supercentres, serving more than 1.2 million customers each day. In addition, Walmart Canada’s flagship online store, walmart.ca, is visited by 300,000 customers daily.
With more than 95,000 associates, Walmart Canada is one of Canada’s largest employers and is ranked one of Canada’s top 10 most influential brands. Walmart Canada’s extensive philanthropy program is focused on helping Canadian families in need, and since 1994 Walmart has donated and raised more than $200 million to Canadian charities. Additional company information can be found at walmartcanada.ca, facebook.com/walmartcanada and at twitter.com/@walmartcanada.
[Source: Walmart Canada press release]
