Stores Remain Closed After Ike

HOUSTON — Supermarkets remained closed yesterday from here to Cincinnati after Hurricane Ike swept through, flooding coastal Texas and knocking out power in several areas. H.E. Butt Grocery Co., based in San Antonio, said 18 of its stores remained closed yesterday, and some stores reportedly reopened with limited service. Demand for ice was reportedly strong at local supermarkets. Kroger, Cincinnati, said several of its stores in Columbus, Ohio; Louisville, Ky.; Cincinnati; and Houston were still closed yesterday due to power outages. Kroger said it has begun raising funds for American Red Cross hurricane relief efforts in stores in several regions of the country. The company said it will provide a limited matching grant for funds raised from employees and customers. Winn-Dixie Stores, Jacksonville, Fla., said yesterday it had launched its “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” fundraising campaign in all of its 521 stores to benefit the American Red Cross, which, the chain said, has seen its Disaster Relief Fund depleted after an active year of disasters.

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