1.   One sign of sluggish growth came during the holidays, as retailers reported the smallest sales gains in a quarter century.

2.   Also contributing to the sales gain was increased distribution in mass outlets in such markets as Japan, Europe and Australia, the company said.

3.   Although the sales gains are modest, Ivester said, they represent further evidence that economies in key markets around the world are beginning to recover.

4.   Although pioneers do enjoy sustained revenue advantages, they also suffer from persistently high costs, which eventually overwhelm the sales gains.

5.   American retailers reported their best monthly sales gains in four years Thursday, capping one of the healthiest quarters of retail sales in almost a decade.

6.   Analysts expect only moderate sales gains the rest of the year.

7.   Analysts expect an increase in net income as a result of sales gains and expense savings from the merger of First Chicago and NBD Corp.

8.   And in the weeks since, Detroit automakers have cautioned that sales gains will be hard to come by.

9.   And Japanese car makers announced further sales gains Thursday.

10.   And several Internet retailers reported solid sales gains.