The Associated Press, 2/24/2011
Wal-Mart de Mexico says it will spend 19 billion pesos ($1.6 billion) to expand its operations in Mexico and Central America this year, with plans to open 445 stores.
Thursday’s announcement comes two days after parent company Wal-Mart Stores Inc. issued an earnings report showing it has relied on international growth and cost-cutting to offset sluggish U.S. sales.
Wal-Mart de Mexico now operates more than 2,000 retail stores and restaurants.
It says it will open 365 of the new businesses, mainly warehouse and discount stores, in Mexico — work that should generate more than 20,000 jobs and stimulate the country’s construction sector.
Mexico Institute 