In April, the Walmart chain invested nearly $8.5 million in the construction and opening of four new stores in Costa Rica.
The company reported that three sales points operate under the Pali format and are located in Ipis de Goicoechea, Guayabo de Bagaces and Dulce Nombre de Cartago. The other establishment operates under the brand Maxi Pali and is located in Los Guido, Desamparados.
Walmart plans to invest $48 million in Guatemala during 2019, of which $25 million will be used to open new stores and remodel existing ones.
According to information provided by representatives of Walmart, the investment projected for this year in the country will double that invested in 2018, since last year the amount disbursed totaled $24 million.
Under the "Pali" brand, Wal-Mart inaugurated supermarkets in Coto Brus, Puerto Viejo de Limón and Nandayure, Guanacaste.
With these three new stores opened in June, Wal-Mart now has 127 "Pali" stores in Costa Rica.
From La Prensa Libre´s website: "Each now opening generates direct jobs in the communities,... These three new stores will have convenience products, apparel, groceries, butcher's shop, as well as personal care and general merchandise".
The supermarket chain is plannning to open 22 stores during 2009 in Central America, generating about 1,000 job openings.
The press release published by Siglo 21 on its website states: "In a year when the region's economic environment is showing itself to be extremely challenging, this level of growth and investment demonstrates the company's commitment to the welfare of Central American families, with a greater operating efficiency that will allow it to continue offering the lowest prices to its customers."