INDIA – Walmart India plans to set up 15 stores in Uttar Pradesh that will see the creation of more than 30,000 local jobs after earlier identifying the state a growth priority area.

This forms part of the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the retailer and the state government to open 15 wholesale Cash and Carry stores.

New stores will add to the four Cash and Carry stores it already operates in Uttar Pradesh to tap its growing ecommerce business.

It recently opened its second fulfilment centre in Lucknow to speed up its operations and directly deliver groceries to Walmart members in the state.

Walmart’s first of its fulfilment centre was inaugurated in the United States creating 1,500 jobs in the Davenport area.

“Each store is likely to create 2,000 direct and indirect jobs, thereby generating at least 30,000 local jobs in the state,” said Chief Corporate Affairs Officer Rajneesh Kumar.

“Uttar Pradesh is a priority growth state for us.”

Investing in agricultural supply chain

The new stores will not only ensure job creation but also support and enhance capabilities for small farmers, kirana and local SME suppliers.

Investment in the agricultural sector include locally sourcing of their produce for its stores in Uttar Pradesh and other states.

“We are delighted to bring best practices in retail to our kiranas, best practices in farming and food safety to our farmers and SME suppliers,” said Kumar.

“We are confident of making a difference to the lives of lakhs of farmers, kiranas and local suppliers as we grow our business in line with government vision of bringing inclusive prosperity.”

This will be by increasing the number of wholesale stores with new ones in Varanasi, Kanpur, Allahabad, Moradabad, Saharanpur, Gorakhpur and other cities.

The investment looks to improve lives of people in the cities, while providing an accessible market for their produce and products.

Walmart which recently acquired 77% stake in Flipkart is looking for strong presence in India with new stores and revamped online platform being on the line of this development.