International News - Home Depot responds to Florida disaster

Retailers have felt the effects of repeated hurricanes that have blasted the south eastern US coastline.

DIY giant Home Depot was quick to respond to the disaster by shifting goods from stores in California, Seattle, New York and Chicago to re-supply the Florida area. However, in some areas the retailer had to limit the quantity of plywood sold to each customer.

Trading at some store groups was disrupted. Clothing retailer Chico's has 73 of its 606 stores in Florida, and 60 were closed as Hurricane Frances raged. The retailer was forced to release a statement warning that comparable sales were 2 per cent down in the first 10 days of September.