Walmart Canada to open 35 to 40 supercentres in 2010

Projects expected to generate approximately 6,500 store and construction jobs

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Feb. 23 /CNW/ - Walmart Canada will open 35 to 40 supercentres in 2010 the company announced today. The projects will include new stores, relocations of existing stores, store expansions and store remodels, representing a combined investment of almost half a billion dollars in Canadian communities. The supercentres are expected to generate approximately 6,500 store and construction jobs, with specific store locations to be announced over the coming weeks and months.

"The combination of one-stop shopping and low prices that our supercentres provide has been embraced by our customers," said David Cheesewright, President and CEO of Walmart Canada. "We look forward to bringing this popular format to a new range of shoppers."

Launched in 2006, Walmart Canada's supercentre program provides a full range of groceries and general merchandise under one roof. Today's announcement is expected to bring Walmart Canada's store count to as much as 325 stores by the end of the year, including 124 supercentres and 201 discount stores.

In addition to store expansions, Walmart Canada is investing in its first sustainable refrigerated distribution centre, which is anticipated to open in Balzac, Alberta, in the fall of this year. The company is investing $115 million in its construction. The centre will create 1,400 jobs, including trade and construction jobs.

Expected to be one of the most energy-efficient distribution facilities of its kind in North America, the cutting-edge distribution centre will be an estimated 60 percent more energy-efficient than Walmart's traditional refrigerated distribution centres. The centre will include a pilot of fuel cell technology and many other sustainable features.

Walmart Canada is committed to reducing costs while implementing energy-saving strategies across its operations. The company's new stores are now 30 percent more energy-efficient than previous prototypes.

Established in 1994 and headquartered in Mississauga Ontario, Walmart Canada currently operates 317 stores and serves more than 1 million customers each day across Canada. Walmart is Canada's third-largest employer with more than 85,000 associates, and was recently named one of Canada's top 10 corporate cultures by Waterstone Human Capital.

For further information: Andrew Pelletier, Vice President of Corporate Affairs, Walmart Canada Corp., [phone]