Wal-Mart Enters China’s Convenience Store Market

From Reuters:

Wal-Mart, the world’s top retailer, said on Wednesday it has launched a pilot programme to open convenience stores in China, seeking to boost its presence in one of the world’s fastest growing retail markets.

Wal-Mart, better known for its mega stores and hypermarkets, opened three convenience stores in December in the south China city of Shenzhen under the programme in a low-key initiative.

“The three shops, which are roughly 300 square metres each, are aimed at providing service to local communities,” Vivi Mou, a company spokeswoman told Reuters.

Wal-Mart will observe market acceptance and customer preferences for the stores, named “Smart Choice” or Hui Xuan in Chinese, before deciding on future development plans, Mou said.