Rumblings About Wal-Mart Expanding Into Online Shopping Growing Louder

Bentonville, AR (AHN) - By the end of this week, Wal-Mart, the world's largest retailer, will have completed the opening of 36 new stores across the country in this month alone. According to the company, the move will provide jobs for 10,800 associates. Consequently the openings have fueled new hirings in the communities they are about to enter.

The company reports more than 4,300 associates have been hired to fill new positions at new, expanded and relocated stores. In addition to the new openings there are rumblings the retail giant may enter into the online grocery shopping arena.

"With these new store locations, we're strengthening our commitment to helping our customers nationwide save money so they can live better," said Bill Simon, chief operating officer, Wal-Mart Stores, U.S. "As we head into the holiday season, we know families want quality products at prices they can afford."

According to sources Wal-Mart is contemplating jumping into the largely unsuccessful business model of online grocery shopping, according to sources. Analysts close to the deal say the retailer is on the cusp of trying to form a strategy to deliver grocery products to customers in the markets it serves in the United States.

Since February, Wal-Mart has opened 205 stores and clubs across the U.S., including 163 supercenters, 19 Sam's Clubs, 16 Neighborhood Markets and 7 discount stores, providing 61,500 secure jobs that give associates the opportunity to build their careers.

In regards to the online shopping for food, the retailer has the locations and the selection to serve almost every populous area of the U.S. -- all it needs is a strategy and a delivery fleet. However the company has tried parcel delivery of food products. If plans are moving forward it would likely differ from others by offering same-day or next-day delivery that could feature a majority of pre-packaged and fresh food from a local Wal-Mart location.

Currently the company boasts 205 stores opening globally this year with 32,000 additional associates hired for 2007 as well. The company also plans to open 1,000 MoneyCenters by the end of 2008. Shares of Wal-Mart were recently up 35 cents to $44.98.