51.   Stock prices are up and stores report strong Christmas sales.

52.   Some stores reported shortages shortages by early evening.

53.   Still, military surplus stores have reported brisk sales of gas masks and protective coveralls.

54.   The news scared away customers from restaurants serving beef and stores reported sharp drops in sales of imported beef.

55.   The Royal Caribbean store reported that spending by passengers Tuesday did not reach anticipated levels.

56.   Video stores reported brisk business as stir-crazy people ventured out in search of new diversions.

57.   In Shenzhen, several privately-owned book stores also reported they were running out of supplies, while flower shops had to place fresh orders.