1.   As chains try to expand, they all face the same problem.

2.   A big Southern California supermarket chain is trying a new pitch aimed at halting eroding profits and sales.

3.   A few West Coast specialty health-food chains might try it, distributing their Analog Catalog in tanning salons and shops that rent surfboards.

4.   But the chains are trying.

5.   Connie Yates, director of public affairs for Tom Thumb, says the grocery chain is just trying to roll with supply and demand.

6.   Dale Ingram, spokesman for Wal-Mart, said the chain would try to take a closer look at so-called clean albums.

7.   She said the United Artists chain had tried offering air-popped popcorn several years ago and found few takers.

8.   The chain has tried a variety of strategies, none of which have worked.

9.   The chains try to buy clusters of hospitals in a region, then economize by parceling out specialties.

10.   The department store chain is trying to put the decision off until it gets a better idea how sales will shake out in the next few weeks.