111.   Retailers reported soaring sales of American flags.

112.   Retailers reported strong sales but in a clearance month that is unlikely to post strong profits.

113.   Retailers reported strong sales in the first week of August, giving hope for a bang-up back-to-school season.

114.   Retailers Thursday reported that sales were better than expected in May, confirming the view that US consumers are in a spending mood.

115.   Retailers Thursday reported the strongest July same-store sales in five years, a result of robust demand for clothing and housewares.

116.   Retailers typically report sales the first Thursday of the month.

117.   Retailers will report August sales tomorrow.

118.   RETAIL GROWTH WEAK IN APRIL Large retailers reported weak sales growth in April, with discount chains like Wal-Mart and Target reporting the best results.

119.   RETAILER PROFITS DECLINE Several retailers reported disappointing first-quarter earnings, as consumer demand softened for clothes and home furnishings.

120.   Retailers have reported in recent weeks that sales have been disappointing, compared with the expectations originally raised by the manufacturers.