Wal-Mart moves closer to expanding in to Russia

Wal-Mart is already working to launch stores in India and expand holdings in Japan, but the company has decided to add Russia to its list of international expansion projects. Wal-Mart has not always done well in foreign markets: the company’s inflexible store format and cultural insensitivity has led to failure in Germany and Korea. The company’s Japanese arm, Seiyu, has been floundering for years, and unless the company makes changes to how it expands internationally, Russia makes no promise of being a success either. Dr. Stephan Fanderl, welcome aboard.

Wal-Mart hires exec to eye Russia opportunities [Reuters]

Wal-Mart Stores Inc said on Monday it appointed Stephan Fanderl to head the discount retailer’s efforts to explore business opportunities in Russia and neighboring markets.

Wal-Mart Names Fanderl President Of Emerging Markets - East [Dow Jones Newswire via Wall Street Journal]

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. said Monday it named Dr. Stephan Fanderl president of Wal-Mart Emerging Markets - East. In this position, he will spearhead the retailer’s effort to explore business opportunities in Russia and neighboring markets.

Wal-Mart names emerging markets pres. [Associated Press via BusinessWeek]

Fanderl joins Wal-Mart from the Rewe Group, a German retailer and travel company, where he most recently served as head of supermarkets and hypermarkets. Hypermarkets are giant stores that sell discounted food and household goods.

Wal-Mart Names Executive to Explore Retail in Russia [Arkansas Business]

Wal-Mart has been registering trademarks in Russia since 2005. It has trademarked the Russian spelling of the store name as well as the numerous private label brands sold in its stores.

Posted by Alex Goldschmidt on Monday, April 14, 2008

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