NEW YORK -- Wal-Mart Stores on Monday said September comp sales were tracking in line with its forecast for a 2% to 4% increase, though it expects Hurricane Frances will briefly hurt sales in areas hit by the storm, according to a Reuters report.

On a recorded message covering sales through Friday, Wal-Mart said food, health and beauty aids, office supplies and pet supplies were the strongest areas. Household paper goods sales were also strong, boosted by higher prices.

The company said Hurricane Frances, which slammed into south Florida on Saturday, drove sales of emergency supplies such as batteries, matches, candles, games, canned goods, flashlights and cigarette lighters.

"We anticipate sales in hurricane areas will be negatively impacted," the company said, followed by a rebound in sales as customers clean up their homes after the storm passes.

Regionally, the southeast and western sections of the United States showed the highest growth.

Back to school sales, Wal-Mart said, "looked good," when taking into account that Labor Day was observed one week later than usual. Gasoline sales were propelled by higher fuel prices.