WAL-MART TO STRESS INTERNET RETAILING.(BUSINESS)

Byline: -- Scripps Howard

NEW YORK -- Wal-Mart Stores said Wednesday it is planning a massive expansion of its Internet shopping operation in the U.S., more than doubling the number of items available to about 80,000 by the end of the year.

If the goal is achieved, customers will be able to find at least as many items in the online store as they can in any of Wal-Mart's 2,000 discount stores.

The expansion reflects growing enthusiasm about the prospects for Internet retailing. Earlier this week, Amazon.com, the Internet bookseller that bills itself as the world's largest bookstore, announced plans for a public offering of its stock.

Wal-Mart opened its Internet store last July with just 2,500 items on offer.