BENTONVILLE, Ark. (October 6, 2004) - Wal-Mart Stores here said it plans to open 240 to 250 new supercenters in the fiscal year beginning Feb. 1, 2005, including conversions of approximately 160 discount stores. With 1,650 supercenters open to date and more expected to open before the end of the fiscal year, next year's expansion will put the company close to 2,000 supercenter locations. In other expansion plans for next year, the company said it expects to open 40 to 45 new discount stores; 25 to 30 new Neighborhood Markets; and 30 to 40 new Sam's Club locations, of which 20 will be relocations or expansions of existing units. Wal-Mart also said it expects to open 155 to 165 units overseas. The company also said it expects to build three new food distribution centers and three new general merchandise distribution centers.