Wal-Mart to expand OC stores

The plan is to offer a similar assortment of groceries that are found at Wal-Mart supercenters. That includes fresh fruits and vegetables, deli meats and fresh bakery items. Most regular Wal-Marts sell canned and frozen foods, beverages and dry goods. No word on how many of the 11 OC Wal-Marts would be expanding, but the move is certain to raise concern among the major supermarket chains. Only a few supercenters have opened in California (including one in Palmdale), so up to now any competitive threats have been minimal. (Members of the United Food and Commercial Workers union have always considered the worries about Wal-Mart to be a negotiating ploy by the majors.) Wal-Mart has hired an Irvine consulting firm to help them get the appropriate city permits to expand existing stores by as much as 50,000 square feet. (OC Register).