Facing growing competition in the discount retail marketplace, Walmart Canada is planning a $450 million expansion in the next 12 months, including the development of at least 37 supercentre projects.
The crowded marketplace will be more fragmented later this year when Target, a giant U.S. retailer, opens up to 135 stores across Canada, including one in a former Zellers location at Devonshire Mall.
“This year, we are ramping up our focus on lowering prices and helping customers lower their cost of living, as we continue to bring our supercentre format to more Canadians,” said Walmart Canada president and CEO Shelley Broader in a statement.
Walmart’s expansion plans are expected to create 7,000 store, trade and construction jobs.
The plans will also include an expanded distribution network.
Location of the new stores and distribution centres will be announced at a later date.
