Wal-Mart said it expected a two to four per cent increase in its October revenues at all stores that have been open for more than a year.
The revenue outlook for the four weeks ending 29 October was expected to be up from sales in September, the company commented, largely as a result of increased store traffic.
Wal-Mart’s US comparable sales for September increased by 2.4 per cent, despite the effect of Hurricane Ivan in more than 70 locations, which the company claimed was actually mildly beneficial to sales as consumers stocked up on merchandise for the storm.
Office supplies is expected to be among the strongest US categories in October, as well as bedding, boys’ wear, food, health and beauty, and pet supplies.
The company is due to release sales for the period on 4 November.
In October, Wal-Mart also announced aggressive new expansion plans to increase store space by eight per cent.
The company intends to open up to 250 more supercenters, 45 more discount stores and three new regional general merchandise distribution centres during the next financial year, which begins in February.
Bentonville (AR)
