A pilot programme to open a series of convenience stores in China is set to be undertaken by US retail goliath Wal-Mart, depending on results of a trial launch of three such stores in Shenzhen which have been operating since December 2008.
The three stores, named Smart Choice or Hui Zuan in Chinese, will be closely monitored by Wal-Mart to determine market acceptance and customer preferences, company spokeswoman Vivi Mou told Reuters.
Chinese media reports quoting an unnamed company source said that the group is planning to launch over 100 new stores in the country by the end of 2009, and 1,000 over the next five years.
Wal-Mart currently boasts a store portfolio of 227 in the country, and has already launched similar convenience stores in markets such as Japan and Mexico.
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