While the news might not seem particularly earth-shattering, itis a major step in Wal-Mart's growth in the Garden State. Whilesome 1,750 of the company's 3,200 stores nationally are in theso-called Supercenter format, the pending expansion marks theinitial such unit in New Jersey, called by many the nation's mostcompetitive and highest-priced retail market.

As far as why it has taken so long for the Bentonville, AR-basedcompany to bring its Supercenter format to New Jersey, "sites andspace are at a premium, and there just aren't many locationsavailable," according to one retail industry observer. "Wal-Marthas been waiting for the chance to bring in a cluster of theSupercenter stores. They would probably need at least 10 locationsto make it possible from a logistical sense, because you don'ttruck in frozen foods and other food products for just onestore."

Indeed, Wal-Mart is slated to open at least 10 stores in NewJersey this year, mostly in South Jersey, according to companyofficials, and an unspecified number are expected to beSupercenters. Local officials in Deptford Township have alreadyturned down a proposed Supercenter, but Wal-Mart has anotherproposal pending near Glassboro, and one in Cherry Hill.