The Big Get Bigger

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (Bentonville, Ark.), the world's largest retailer, announced plans to open more than 300 stores worldwide next year. The new store plans include between 70 and 80 supercenters, 40 discount stores, 15 to 20 neighborhood markets and 20 to 25 Sam's Club warehouses. In addition, between 100 and 110 discount stores will be relocated or converted to supercenters and 20 to 25 Sam's Club stores will either be relocated or expanded. Furthermore, Wal-Mart International plans to open 100 to 110 stores in each of the countries where Wal-Mart currently operates.

The company said that the popularity of the Wal-Mart supercenters initiated the global expansion, which will add 40 million square feet of new retail space, an 8 percent increase from this year.

In the meantime, the Walmart.com site is closed for renovation, but is expected to be up and running again in time for holiday shopping. The site has been criticized for difficulty of navigation, and has undergone several renovations since its initial launch.