The economy's done no favors for Russia's retail sector, which is where Wal-Mart sees an opportunity. Swooping into metaphorical "rebound boyfriend" position while Russia's in a vulnerable state, Wal-Mart just registered a legal entity and joined an organization of local retailers in Russia.

According to a headhunting agency following Wal-Mart's expansion East: "There are already about 30 managers working in their team." So what would a Russianized Wal-Mart entail? Probably more-misanthropic-than-usual floor staff (psst: retired angry babushkas make wonderful greeters), and a heavily de-emphasized yellow smiley-face logo. It will be interesting to see whether Wal-Mart will follow IKEA and the Gap in trying to present its wares to the Russians as more glamorous and upscale than they look back home. It will be equally interesting to see whether any of these wares will actually be made in Russia.

Wal-Mart Moves Closer to Russia [The Moscow Times]
Russian Unemployment Rising, Fast [Sean's Russia Blog]