Wal-Mart Chief Executive Lee Scott reportedly told analysts on a conference call the company did not see any evidence that consumer spending will slow from current levels.
That Thursday, two dozen essential personnel from Valero's Gulf Coast refineries flew in to ride out the storm at "Hotel Valero"--a big room next to the call center outfitted with 20 queen-sized air mattresses and sundry items assembled from a trip to Wal-Mart.