BUSINESS MEMO: WAL-MART EXPANSION

Wal-Mart Stores Inc., the world's largest retailer, plans to open more than more than 300 stores worldwide next year in one of the company's most ambitious expansion plans.

In a separate move, Wal-Mart has closed down its e-commerce site and said it won't reopen for "a few weeks."

The Bentonville-based company said recently it plans to add its traditional discount stores, supercenters, Neighborhood Market grocery stores, and Sam's Club discount warehouse stores in the United States or in countries where it currently does business.

Next year, Wal-Mart will open about 40 new discount stores and 170 to 180 new supercenters in the United States.