US retail giant Wal-Mart has confirmed that it will open its first Marketside test stores at the beginning of October.

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According to an announcement on the Marketside website, it will launch four stores at locations in and around Phoenix, Arizona, on 4 October. Stores will be opened in Mesa, Chandler, Tempe and Gilbert, the company revealed.


The smaller format Marketside concept is being launched in response to UK retailer Tesco’s establishment of Fresh & Easy outlets on the West Coast. The retailers will go head-to-head in the Phoenix market. 


Wal-Mart has previously told just-food that the Marketside outlet is still in its test phase and the company currently has no plans for a nationwide rollout.


Wal-Mart was unavailable for further comment as just-food went to press.

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