91.   That same day, retail sales reports were mixed, giving investors little reason to hope that weak consumer spending is improving.

92.   The maker of Barbie dolls and Hot Wheels said growth was hampered by U.S. retailers who canceled holiday orders over concerns of weak consumer demand.

93.   Weak consumer confidence, hurt by rising unemployment and slack demand for labor, was the main cause of the stubborn sluggishness in housing starts, the ministry said.

94.   Weak consumer demand is expected to have lowered inflation pressure on all commodity groups in the Philippines in October, economists said Wednesday.

95.   Weak domestic consumer spending also contributed to the job losses.

96.   In addition to weak consumer spending on durable goods such as televisions, refrigerators and washing machines, car and house purchases are also in the doldrums.

97.   In the other activities, the joint venture with the Danish brewer Carlsberg was hit by weak British consumer demand and growing competition.

98.   But members of the government said that weak consumer spending was giving cause for concern.

99.   But weak consumer demand and corporate investment continued to weigh on recovery prospects, it warned.

100.   Despite the weak consumer response, the industry remains optimistic for the future.