OSAKA -- Supermarket chain operator Jusco Co. plans to open more than 10 new stores in the 2002 business year, company sources said Wednesday.

Locations for the new stores will include Sapporo; Sannohe, Aomori Prefecture; Shinagawa Ward, Tokyo; Nakano, Nagano Prefecture; Hamamatsu and Yaizu, Shizuoka Prefecture; and Nagoya, the sources said.

The move comes as Jusco's rivals, such as Daiei Inc. and Mycal Corp., are being forced to close more stores to reduce debt.

Jusco plans to open 11 stores this year, including those already opened in Gojome, Akita Prefecture; Niihama, Ehime Prefecture; and Mikawa, Yamagata Prefecture.