1.   Right after the holidays the stores start to knock down the window displays.

2.   Some stores had started cutting prices before Christmas, but then it seemed customers were keeping their money in their pockets.

3.   Already stores are starting the drum roll by clearing shelves and posting signs.

4.   As a deterrent, Ms. Hardin said, the store has started hanging price tickets on the front of dresses, at the breast.

5.   But one day, the Intouch machines disappeared, and slowly the store started falling apart.

6.   Computer stores should start carrying the software soon.

7.   E-mail started arriving, and area record stores started calling the station, wondering where they could find the CD.

8.   Grocery stores start rationing food and ATMs refuse to dispense cash.

9.   In reaction, some family clothing stores have started making inventory purchases through a broker specializing in small shops.

10.   It said that these stores started imitating their American cousins, stocking Christmas trees, avalanches of decorations and Santa figures, and that other stores followed.