Walmart Canada completes acquisition of leases for 39 stores

Canada's fastest-growing retailer to create more than 5,000 jobs

Mississauga, Ontario, September 23, 2011 – Today Walmart Canada announced that it has completed the acquisition from Target Canada of leases for 39 store locations currently occupied by Zellers. Walmart also announced the locations acquired. It is anticipated that these locations will open as Walmart stores in late 2012. Walmart expects this announcement will create more than 5,000 construction, trade and store jobs and will represent a significant investment in Canadian communities. 

"We are pleased to have the opportunity to bring more Walmart stores to Canadians across the country," said David Cheesewright, Walmart Canada president and CEO. "Canadians understand our value and quality proposition, and customers at all income levels rely on us to save them money and to be their one-stop shopping destination."

The new Walmart stores are expected to open in late 2012 and will be a mix of discount stores, which offer general merchandise and a broad selection of pantry foods, and supercentres, which offer general merchandise as well as a full selection of groceries under one roof.

"Each new Walmart store will deliver everyday low prices on the thousands of items Canadians need. We know that times are tough and we are committed to helping save Canadians money," added Cheesewright.

Price audits show shoppers save more than 11 per cent on a basket of everyday goods when they shop at a Walmart Canada store, compared to the market. The company estimates that it saves Canadians $17 million each month, and announced earlier this year that by rolling back more than 100,000 prices in 2011 Walmart would save Canadians an additional $55 million in 2011.

About Walmart Canada

Walmart Canada, as part of Walmart International, belongs to the strongest global retail chain in the world, with access to best practices from 28 countries around the world. This network provides global best practices and compelling career opportunities for Walmart Canada associates.

Since Walmart opened its doors in Canada in 1994, the company has become one of the country's largest employers. Recognized as having one of Canada's top corporate cultures, Walmart offers Canadians world-class careers and is recognized within the Walmart global network as attracting and retaining some of the world's top retail talent. Walmart is recognized for hiring for attitude and investing in associates who demonstrate promise.

Walmart Canada is a global leader in sustainable business practices, and is recognized for its efforts to promote the sharing of best practices across the business community. The company regularly tours competitors through its operations, including its new fresh produce distribution centre in Alberta, one of the world's most sustainable distribution centres, to showcase its sustainable supply chain and distribution practices.

Facts about Walmart Canada

• Nine out of 10 Canadians shop at Walmart Canada
• Price audits show shoppers save more than 11 per cent  on a basket of everyday goods when they shop at a Walmart Canada store, compared to the market
• Walmart Canada has been recognized as having one of Canada's top 10 corporate cultures by Waterstone Human Capital
• Walmart Canada is a global leader in sustainable business practices and shares its best practices with competitors around the world
• Walmart Canada accounts for more than half of the retail growth in Canada and creates thousands of construction and in-store jobs every year
• In 2010, Walmart Canada made payments of $15 billion to Canadian suppliers
• Walmart Canada has donated and raised more than $125 million to Canadian charities and communities since 1994.

Location of the future Walmart Canada sites

Today, Walmart Canada confirmed the locations of the 39 sites, currently operated by Zellers, for which it has secured leasehold rights from Target Canada.

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Contacts:
Susan Schutta, Director of Corporate Affairs, Walmart Canada,905-821-2111 ext. 78012 or corporateaffairscanada@wal-mart.com.
Carol Schumacher, Vice President of Investor Relations, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., 479-277-1498