61.   However, those sales gains came at the expense of margin.

62.   In fact, consumers are fueling the longest run of retail sales gains in at least a decade.

63.   In Latin America, sales gains in Mexico offset declines in Brazil.

64.   In pipes and trading, all foreign subsidiaries except for Mannesmann SA in Brazil experienced sales gains through May, he said.

65.   In recent weeks, retailers and auto dealers have reported that sales gains are slowing.

66.   It also revised downward the sales gains in December and November, suggesting a slowing trend.

67.   Its sales gains were skimpy in February and March and declined in April for the first time in at least two years.

68.   Its two major rivals both reported sales gains.

69.   Japanese stocks were mixed as a drop automakers like Toyota Motor Corp. on concern over sluggish domestic sales offset gains by high-tech electronics makers like Canon Inc.

70.   Lauder would not quantify the total sales gain.