31.   Retail stocks may be active after several chains reported sales in stores open a year or more rose smartly in December and the fourth-quarter.

32.   Several retail chains have reported lackluster sales gains or declines in recent months.

33.   Several department store chains have already reported results.

34.   Several major apparel chains also reported improving fiscal second-quarter results on stronger sales.

35.   Some chains did report sharp growth in sales, but it was attributable almost entirely to the addition of stores.

36.   Some chains reported declines, particularly those who have been struggling over the past several months.

37.   Some chains reported results already.

38.   Still, some specialty chains reported strong earnings gains.

39.   U.S. retailers said sales rose in February as discounted winter clothing attracted shoppers, while electronics chains reported their smallest sales declines in six months.

40.   Retail chains have reported their same-store sales figures.