Wal-Mart U.S. net sales for the five-week period ending Oct. 3, 2008 increased 4.8% to $22.48 billion dollars, up from $21.45 billion during the period ending Oct. 5, 2007. For the 35-week period (year-to-date) ending Oct. 3, 2008, net sales increased 6.7% from $154.74 billion in fiscal 2007 to $165.12 billion this fiscal year. Comparable store sales increased 2% for the five-week period, compared to 0.8% last year, and 2.8% during 35-week period, compared to 2007’s 0.8%. The net impact of Hurricanes Gustav, Hanna and Ike on total U.S. comparable store and club sales was approximately negative 0.4 percentage points.

Walmart U.S. had solid comparable store sales during the September period, despite the negative impact of approximately 0.5% from store closures due to the hurricanes that affected many areas of the country. The hurricanes forced the temporary closure of 341 Walmart U.S. stores in coastal areas and the upper Midwest, due primarily to the interruption of electrical power and other disruptions to operations.

“In spite of both the impact from the hurricanes and the recent challenges to consumer confidence as a result of the economic environment, Walmart U.S. had another period of solid comparable store sales performance,” said Eduardo Castro-Wright, Walmart U.S. president and CEO. “Comparable store sales during the September period were strong in both grocery and health and wellness. Sales in grocery were led by food and consumables. Customers continue to look for basics for their families. Children’s clothing was positive during the September period, while sales of discretionary items were soft.

Sam’s Club net sales for the five-week period increased 8% to $4.39 billion from $4.07 billion last year. For the 35-week period, net sales increased 7.5% from $29.24 billion to $31.44 billion. Comparable store sales increased 7.4% as opposed to last year’s 4.1% for the 5-week period, and 6.7% compared to last year’s 4.9% in the 35-week period.

Sales at Sam’s Club during the September period were driven by strengths in fresh food, with produce leading the category. Within general merchandise, apparel sales were strong, as members reacted positively to new fall items. Categories with softer sales included house wares, furniture, video games and electronics. Within electronics, LCD TVs and small electronic devices, such as GPS units and digital audio, performed well. “Sam’s Club members continue to search for value in this economy,” said Doug McMillon, Sam’s Club president and CEO. “Food and consumables, including fresh foods, are driving increases in comparable club traffic and ticket. While discretionary items are under pressure, members are reacting positively to new items. Price is the primary focus, but newness and quality still matter to them.” McMillon added that comparable club sales were strong in hurricane-affected areas during the back half of the period, providing a benefit to Sam’s Club comparable club sales without fuel of approximately 0.5 percentage points. Fuel sales continue to be strong, with increases both in dollars and gallons sold. Fuel prices were up significantly over the same period last year. The recent hurricanes in the Gulf Coast contributed to fuel market disruptions in some southeastern locations during the period.”