Walmart

BENTONVILLE, Ark. -- The world's biggest retailer said last week it intends to only get bigger. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. here on Friday confirmed that its plans for the coming year include 370 U.S. units, larger stores for Canada, and up to 230 new stores in other countries.

MANCHESTER, N.H. -- AG Supermarkets, Inc., the retail subsidiary of Associated Grocers of New England here, said Friday it has opened a new upscale Harvest Market format in Hollis, N.H.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. -- Expanding its presence in Latin America, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. said yesterday it has purchased Sonae's retail operations in Brazil, which include 140 hypermarkets, supermarkets and wholesale units. The total transaction was valued at euro 635 million (approximately $757 million).

SAN ANTONIO, Texas -- The new H-E-B Plus! store recently introduced by H.E. Butt Grocery Co. here will soon have an addition: a RediClinic in-store health clinic.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. -- In response to criticism from publishers at regional newspapers across the country, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. here recently placed full-page advertisements in 336 Midwestern newspapers as a test for a possible change in its newspaper advertising policy.

DAYTON, Tenn. -- Shoplifters who've struck stores including Wal-Mart, Save-A-Lot, Dollar General, and Bi-Lo in this Tennessee town are being punished in an unusual manner: They're modeling signs proclaiming their guilt while standing in front of the stores.

MANCHESTER, N.H. -- Associated Grocers of New England, Inc. here said yesterday that Brett Davis has joined the company as facility manager, a new position at the wholesale grocery cooperative.

WASHINGTON and NEW YORK -- Two recent consumer surveys offer different takes on what Americans think of Wal-Mart and whether negative publicity has scarred its chances for future success.