Wal-Mart says 123 stores closed due to Katrina

CHICAGO (Reuters) – Wal-Mart Stores Inc. on Tuesday said
123 of its U.S. stores, or 3.3 percent, were closed due to
Hurricane Katrina, many because of power outages.

The closures included both Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club stores,
a spokeswoman said, adding that two distribution centers were
also closed.

It was too early to say what financial impact the shutdowns
would have, the spokeswoman, Sharon Weber, said.

Weber said the number of store closings is “fluid,” as some
stores open and others close.

Ninety-seven of the closings were due to power outages, she
said, adding that local curfews were also impacting stores. The
company is sending generators to places where power will likely
be a continuing issue, she said.

Damage to roads and other problems also are affecting
stores, she said.

“We’ll certainly open up as soon as we possibly can, but
it’s just going to take some time,” Weber said.