Today Walmart Canada announced that it has completed the acquisition from Target Canada of leases for 39 store locations currently occupied by Zellers.

Walmart also announced the locations acquired. It is anticipated that these locations will open as Walmart stores in late 2012.

One of those locations is Prince Rupert.

Walmart expects this announcement will create more than 5,000 construction, trade and store jobs and will represent a significant investment in Canadian communities.

“We are pleased to have the opportunity to bring more Walmart stores to Canadians across the country,” said David Cheesewright, Walmart Canada president and CEO.

“Canadians understand our value and quality proposition, and customers at all income levels rely on us to save them money and to be their one-stop shopping destination.”

The new Walmart stores are expected to open in late 2012 and will be a mix of discount stores, which offer general merchandise and a broad selection of pantry foods, and supercentres, which offer general merchandise as well as a full selection of groceries under one roof.