Walmart growth creates 7,500 jobs

Walmart plans to complete 35 Canadian supercentre projects as part of nearly $500 million in planned investments over the next year.

The discount retailer said it would invest more than $376 million to build, expand, relocate or remodel its stores.

It will also spend $31 million for e-commerce projects and $91 million to enhance in its distribution network to handle more fresh food.
Details on locations for specific store and distribution centre projects will be announced as they become finalized.

Walmart Canada said its initiatives would generate about 7,500 jobs over the next year, including construction work.

The company currently has 389 stores, including 247 supercentres that carry a combination of groceries, apparel, and household goods. It expected to have a total of 395 stores by the end of January 2015, with 282 supercentres and 113 discount stores.

Walmart Canada chief executive Shelley Broader also said the company was considering acquisition as another way to grow it's business, especially in urban areas.

“There are all kinds of ways to grow,” Ms. Broader said. “Acquisition is one way to grow, [building new big boxes] is another, and we have had a voracious growth plans in our Walmart.ca business.”

With Loblaw's acquisition of Shopper's Drug Mart still top of mind, Canadian retailers are facing not only increased competition for customers, but for talent as well.