Top US retailer Wal-Mart says it plans to create 22,000 jobs in its US stores in 2009.
The forecast points to lower growth compared with last year, as the world's biggest retailer opens fewer of its US Wal-Mart discount stores to focus on expansions and renovations.
Last year, the company created 33,800 US jobs, though that figure also included new jobs at its much smaller Sam's Club members-only chain of warehouse stores.
Wal-Mart has gained market share despite the poor economic climate as shoppers seek out its low prices on everything from food to electronics.
But the retailer has not been immune to the downturn. At an October analyst meeting, executives said the company would slow expansion of new US Wal-Mart super-centres to focus instead on existing stores.
Last October, Wal-Mart announced plans to open 157 to 177 new or expanded stores and clubs during the current 2010 financial year in the US.
Wal-Mart said the new positions would be in all levels of its retail operation. The announcement comes as the retailer readies for its annual shareholder meeting on Friday, and just four months after it slashed 700 to 800 jobs at its Wal-Mart and Sam's Club home offices in Bentonville, Arkansas.
