Wal-Mart planning $500M expansion in Canada

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

The U.S. discount retailer says it will invest more than $376 million to build, expand, relocate or remodel its stores.

It will also spend $31 million on e-commerce projects and $91 million to enhanceits distribution network to handle more fresh food.

Details on locations for specific store and distribution centres will be announced as they become finalized.

Wal-Mart Canada says its initiatives will generate about 7,500 jobs over the next year, including construction work.

The company currently has 389 stores in Canada, including 247 supercentres that carry a combination of groceries, appareland household goods.

It expects to have a total of 395 stores by the end of January 2015, with 282 super centres and 113 discount stores.