Posted on 09/05/2005 5:39:08 PM PDT by SmithL
BENTONVILLE, Ark. - Wal-Mart Stores Inc. said Monday that 18 stores still remain closed along with one of its call centers. But that is a major improvement from when Hurricane Katrina hit, closing 126 of it facilities.
The company said that 89 facilities have reported damage with nine having major damage, 41 moderate damage and 39 minor damage or merchandise lost.
Fifteen of the shuttered stories, including four Sam's clubs, are in Louisiana where Wal-Mart has 98 stores, and 12 Sam's clubs.
Three of the closed stores as well as the call center are in Mississippi, where the company has 64 stores and 6 Sam's Clubs.
The shuttered store represent a minor portion of the world's largest retailier's 3,800 outlets.
Wal-Mart said it has made contact with more than 65 percent of its 34,000 workers who were affected by the storm, including some found in evacuee shelters.
"Wal-Mart is committed to providing work for displaced associated who want to work in open stores," the company said in a release.
So far, Wal-Mart said that it has contributed $17 million to relief efforts, including $15 million to the Bush-Clinton Katrina Fund. The company also has donated about $3 million in merchandise, including more than 100 trailer loads to emergency relief organizations, services and shelters.
The Walton Family Foundation has donated $8 million to the Bush-Clinton Katrina Fund and $7 million to relief organizations like the Salvation Army, America's Second Harvest and The Foundation for the Mid-South.
"CLOSED"! They're probably empty too.
Walmart, by itself, is a Socialist dream.
But since it's not owned and run by Government Inc., they hate it instead, as it stands as a credit to capitalism.
I just got back from Walmart here....and there was NO Folger's coffee (plus a few other brands) on the shelves! I overheard the clerk telling another customer that they've shipped a large portion of their canned ground coffee to the relief stations in LA, MS and AL. Wow.
Gee, they didn't donate any cash or goods to the Red Cross? Wonder why?
Right after the hurricane hit I saw the head of Walmart on the tv. At that time they had 47 stores closed. Looks like they've come back with good speed.
Wal-Mart could buy the Red Cross if they wanted.
They probably would run it better as well.
I have a relative at WM headquarters. They are very community minded. They have been quietly aiding in all relief efforts for a long time. I think they decided to be more vocal because of all the ridiculous criticism.
Helping a community hit by a disaster is a top priority. They start shipping stuff in (free) as soon as they can.
They are sending mobile drugstore units right now.
Keep Wally away from the midwest. They are not welcome here. Minimum wage workes, 100% imported junk.
We have Wal-Mart in the midwest including two right near me just outside Chicago. Great stores for auto parts and supplies and stuff like jeans and t-shirts.
Wouldn't it be a lot simpler for you to just stay out of Walmart?
Believe it or not - everything does not revolve around you and your tunnel vision - no matter how much you believe it does.
I think the way it works is that if enough people don't shop there, it will close. If they do, it stays open. Just a guess.
First off in Ohio they pay more than minimum to full timers.
Second a lot of stuff is imported or have you not noticed.
Third, I parked next to a Auto-union guy with a buy American sticker on his GM pickup. I asked him and he said my Mitsubishi was imported crap. I asked him his ignition was made in mexico, his locks were also. His electronics were made in Taiwan, his bumpers come from Canada....etc
He shut up real fast and called me a name.
So much for buy American.
Thanks for reminding me to run out to Wal-Mart (NW Chicago suburbs) to get some stuff.
Next time the Chinese PLA will provide security.
I think we need Wal-Mart in charge of relief fundraising. They're already everywhere and they seem more committed than either Bush or Clinton.
Allow me to rant a bit. I live in a small town (20,000) in central Missouri - we have a Walmart Superstore - we call it "Wally World". I shop there because they have stuff I can't get elsewhere. I will not buy any fresh food there other than vegetables. While they used to offer fresh seafood - I'm from the east coast, so whenever I get there, that is all I eat - their seafood is now from China or Asia. I can't get Maryland crab meat or Gulf shrimp, all the fish are from Asia. Their meat is just disgusting - we have some fine meat in Missouri. We have a smokehouse near here that packages some of the finest beacon you will ever taste, maybe a dollar more than Oscar Meyer a pound, not offered at WalMart. I just hope the day doesn't come when the American smokehouses, fishmongers, butchers are put out of business by the WalMarts of the world.
"I just got back from Walmart here....and there was NO Folger's coffee (plus a few other brands) on the shelves! I overheard the clerk telling another customer that they've shipped a large portion of their canned ground coffee to the relief stations in LA, MS and AL. Wow."
Well, at least it wasn't a self-promotion stunt, by sending the Sam's Choice brand. :)
Do you have a Dollar General near you? That's where I buy my Folgers. Good deals!
Well, that didn't take long.
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