Walmart Canada has announced in a statement plans to open two Walmart Supercentres in Saskatchewan in early 2010 by replacing existing stores in Saskatoon and Regina to combine a complete grocery business with the existing stores’ current merchandise selection.

The move will mark Walmart Supercentres and the company’s first foray into the fresh grocery business in the Saskatchewan province. Walmart Canada already operates 58 Supercentres in Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia, having first introduced the format to Canada in late 2006.

“Walmart Supercentres are not just about getting bigger, they are about getting better,” said Jim Thompson, Walmart Canada’s senior vice-president of operations and merchandise. “We know that people shop Walmart for our unbeatable prices and selection. And, Supercentres give us a broader selection and a better opportunity to save people money by taking a big bite out of their grocery bills.”

The Supercentre projects in Regina and Saskatoon are being heralded as a vote of confidence in the provincial market, representing an investment of tens of millions of dollars, hundreds of in-store jobs, hundreds of trade and construction jobs, new opportunities for local food suppliers, and increased city taxes paid by Walmart.

“Since 1994, when Walmart first transformed nine Saskatchewan Woolco stores, we have invested hundreds of millions of dollars and hired thousands of people to grow and improve our service to Saskatchewans,” continued Mr Thompson.

“Now, with a favorable provincial economy and the expectations of customers growing, we think it’s the right time to take our investment and our business to the next level. Regina and Saskatoon are a first step. We expect to make future investments and improvements province-wide.”

The new Saskatoon Walmart Supercentre will be located at 22nd Street and Betts Avenue, and will replace the existing store at Confederation Mall.

The new Regina Walmart Supercentre will be part of the Grasslands commercial development at Lewvan Drive and Gordon Road, and will replace the existing store at Southland Mall.

In both cases, the relocated stores will be approximately 30 per cent larger than those they replace, growing from approximately 145,000ft2 to 185,00ft2.

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