Wal-Mart’s Empire Reaching to New San Clemente Center

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. is an empire of more than 2,200 stores stretching from Arkansas to Argentina--and now San Clemente. The world’s largest retailer continues its expansion in Orange County with an agreement to open a store in the 155-acre Plaza Pacifica shopping and entertainment center in San Clemente.

Anaheim Plaza, Orange County’s oldest mall, was in decline until 1994 when discount retailer Wal-Mart opened its first Orange County store there.

Wal-Mart has also opened stores in several other cities, including Pomona, Foothill Ranch, City of Industry and Duarte.

The store in San Clemente will occupy a total of 100,000 square feet, according to the Ramser Cos. of Costa Mesa, which is the project’s developer.

Debora Vrana covers real estate for The Times. She can be reached at (714) 966-5979 and at debora.vrana@latimes.com.