RETAILING
From Times Staff and Wire Reports
Wal-Mart Announces Expansion Plans: The nation’s biggest retailer said it will open or expand at least 260 stores next year and will turn around sales at its ailing Sam’s Clubs by year-end. Bentonville, Ark.-based Wal-Mart Inc. said it plans 100 new Supercenters--supermarkets and discount centers under one roof--compared to the 75 openings expected this year. But growth of its Sam’s warehouse chain will slow as the company catches its breath after acquiring 99 PACE warehouse clubs from No. 2 retailer Kmart last year.
