According to Bloomberg, Walmart will begin construction next week on a 14,400 square foot store in Gentry, Arkansas (20 miles from its headquarters). Work on two similar stores in Arkansas will begin in the next two weeks, and Walmart may open as many as 40 smaller stores this year in rural and urban areas.
The story reports that building permits indicate the stores will cost $1.2 million to build and will sit on lots just under 5 acres. They will have 75 parking spaces, a pharmacy and three or four checkout counters, as well as sections for fresh produce, refrigerated foods and frozen items.
From Bloomberg: Wal-Mart to Break Ground on Small Stores Next Week