Just as America has gotten used to Walmart's mammoth supercenters, the retailer says it plans to focus on smaller stores, as well, to better expand in U.S. urban markets.
At a presentation for
investors in Rogers, Ark., Walmart execs laid out its growth plans for the next several years, which will include between 30 and 40 smaller size stores in its fiscal 2012, as well as between 155 and
165 large stores. It also plans to add between 7 and 12 additional Sam's Clubs.
"Over the next few years, we will introduce new formats to help us enter new markets," Walmart U.S. president and
CEO says in the company's release following the meeting. "Walmart U.S. will move toward a three-format portfolio, which will drive expansion to urban markets and small towns, as well as fill in gaps
in existing markets."
"The large format is our supercenter, which sells a broad assortment of groceries and general merchandise. We have integrated efficiencies into our supercenter design that
have allowed us to decrease the average square footage for our supercenter format. The medium format, between 30,000 and 60,000 square feet, will be based on the needs of an individual market. The
small format, which is less than 30,000 square feet, will be targeted to urban markets and small towns."