Wal-Mart Stores Inc. 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.
