1.   And ever since Amazon.com went on the Web three years ago, the bookstore chains have started rival electronic shopping centers.

2.   And like trade publishers, they also suffered when the Bibles languished on the shelves and the chains started returning books by truckload.

3.   Both chains this weekend started a series of national advertisements saying that their combination will help consumers by lowering prices.

4.   But the chain started the decade with an uncertain future.

5.   For expensive pistols, the marketing chain often starts with military or police agencies.

6.   For the past few years, the chain has started beefing up its temporary holiday staff a little earlier in the year, said Target spokeswoman Denise Workcuff.

7.   Grocery chains finally are starting to fight back, he added.

8.   In addition, the chain will start marketing a private-label -- store brand -- dessert line through a national food service distributor.

9.   Last summer, the ubiquitous chain started offering coffee, mocha, chocolate, vanilla and decaf Frappuccinos in three different sizes, and has advertised its drinks heavily.

10.   Meatpackers would have to bid higher for available animals if fast-food chains start increasing orders, traders said.