Wal-Mart Looking to Succeed Where Circuit City Failed?

Mega-retailer Wal-Mart may be looking to move into the market gap left by Circuit City's shutdown, amping up its electronics offerings and setting up Apple and Nintendo sections.

Retailing powerhouse Wal-Mart seems to be planning to fill the retailing gap left by the bankruptcy and shutdown of Circuit City: according to the Wall Street Journal (subscription required), Wal-Mart is gearing up its consumer and home electronics offerings and preparing to go head-to-head with the likes of Best Buy and Amazon.com. Part of the plans include expanding Wal-Mart electronics departments to showcase flat-screen televisions, mobile phones, and PCs, and the company is also adding standalone sections featuring Apple and Nintendo products.

Approximately 3,500 Wal-Mart locations are slated to get the new electronics departments; some of the revamped departments will be debuting this week.

Some industry watchers have speculated that creating an Apple section is a precursor to Wal-Mart landing a deal to sell Apple computers, although initially the sections will focus on iPod and iPhone products and accessories. Reports also have Wal-Mart beefing up its selection of high-definition and Blu-ray home video products.