Walmart to Invest in Chicago Store Growth

Walmart (Bentonville, Ark.) has set a goal to build several dozen stores in Chicago over the next five years as part of a long-term initiative called the “Chicago Community Investment Partnership.”

The new plan, which also will bring jobs, help eradicate food deserts and stimulate local economic development, includes opening several dozen stores across the city of varying size and format. 

“We want to deliver long-term solutions that benefit Chicago and its residents,” says Hank Mullany, executive vp and president Walmart North, Walmart U.S. “While our goals are dependent on our ability to site and build stores in a timely fashion, we remain confident that we can make a real difference to Chicagoans in need of a job and those who seek more convenient access to fresh, affordable food, especially those living in the city's underserved communities.”

Walmart operates 8400 retail locations under 55 different banners in 15 countries. The company reported fiscal year 2010 sales of $405 billion.