Wal-Mart Stores Inc. plans to build more than 50 stores in urban areas during the next two years and, sounding more governmental than corporate, said it also would create programs to support small businesses – including its competitors – in the process.

The plan, announced Tuesday by chief executive H. Lee Scott, would be a major shift in strategy for the company, which became the nation’s largest retailer by opening rural and suburban stores. Wal-Mart has a store at 3300 Iowa in Lawrence.