Wal-Mart Stores has outlined plans to open stores and distribution centres in China over the next three years – after saying last week some existing outlets in the country would close.

The world’s largest retailer said it would develop further in China’s tier-two, tier-three and tier-four cities as the country’s urbanisation continues. The new outlets would focus on Wal-Mart’s supercentres and Sam’s Club warehouse stores. It also plans to open more distribution centres in the country.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Last week, Wal-Mart said it would shut around 50 under-performing stores in Brazil and China.

“China is a key strategic market for Walmart and we are very well positioned to serve the country’s emerging middle class with great products they can trust,” Wal-Mart president and CEO Mike Duke said today (24 October). “Our management team is committed to continued growth in large and smaller cities across China, and doing it in the right way.

Greg Foran, the head of Wal-Mart’s business in China, said the country’s retail sector had “faced challenges” in 2013.

However, Foran said the retailer would be “upgrading” the products it sells in China, “especially in fresh food and grocery”.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Foran said the stores and distribution centres to be opened equated to “110 facilities”. He also defended the retailer’s decision to shut some existing outlets.

“These closures represent up to nine percent of our total store portfolio, but only two to three percent of our total sales volume through next year. Taking this action is appropriate and enables us to continue to grow in China,” he said.