CHICAGO – Walmart recently announced its continued expansion into Chicago, with the addition of two new locations on the South Side, the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

One of the stores is expected to be a Neighborhood Market, with the other a smaller Walmart-branded convenience store, Walmart Express.

The proposals demonstrate the company’s commitment to begin a billion-dollar expansion in the Windy City as well as push to enter other urban markets. The retailer only recently reached a compromise with labor leaders over wage standards, clearing the way for entry into the city.

Mayor-elect Manuel said he would ask Walmart and other large retailers to present him with a four-year plan for building in Chicago’s food deserts, neighborhoods that lack grocery stores.