Wal-Mart pins hopes on Express,stores

Like other supermarket giants, Wal-Mart is turning to smaller stores to restore growth in saturated markets.
 
The world’s largest retailer built its success on huge hypermarkets, but now has entered the local distribution network with new stores called Wal-Mart Express.
 
The format is 3 or 4 times smaller than usual Supercenters, and target rural areas and some urban markets with no supermarkets or grocery stores. Wal-Mart Express will offer a limited range of products essential to everyday grocery shopping and fresh produce. The first store recently opened in Gentry, Arkansas. In the coming weeks, 20 additional stores in Arkansas, North Carolina and Chicago will open their doors.
 
Wal-Mart plans 600-800 stores in the next 5 years to stimulate growth in its domestic market.