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Wal-Mart Set to Open First Beijing Branch This Year

US-based Wal-Mart, the world's largest chain store retailer, has announced the planned opening of its first branch in Beijing this year. Its disclosure came at the fourth China Chainstore Industry Convention & Exhibition, reported Beijing Today.

Ned Irving, senior director of marketing and Sam Club merchandising for Wal-Mart China Company Ltd., said the first Beijing outlet will open for business by mid-2003/ It will be located in Shijingshan District, south-west Beijing.

Wal-Mart will set up its exclusive members-only Sam's Club store in this area. It will cover 15,000-20,000 square meters, and offer about 1,000 parking places. More than 3,200 types of product will be available at the store.

The trans-national company first entered the Chinese market in 1996 with the opening of its first Sam's Club store and shopping plaza in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province. So far, there are 20 Wal-Mart branches in China, seven of which are in Shenzhen.