11.   As American retailers spread across the Continent, the going gets rougher.

12.   As for American retailers, this is the type of environment they grew up in, and they are confident they can stay in the race.

13.   A sparkling economy, record-low unemployment and fatter paychecks failed to translate into the strapping holiday selling season that American retailers were counting on.

14.   But the truth is that American retailers are struggling mightily to find their place in cyberspace.

15.   China is also an important source of supply for American retailers who sell everything from clothes to Barbie dolls that are made in China.

16.   Far from squeezing out local suppliers, the American retailers have opened new horizons for Canadian goods.

17.   He noted that Wal-Mart, the largest American retailer, has already halted its Mexican expansion plans.

18.   In a remarkable turnaround from a weak season, American retailers reported strong December sales Thursday, aided in huge part by shopping that occurred after Christmas.

19.   In a report to be released on Monday, the department concluded that the codes of conduct had become increasingly common among the largest American retailers and manufacturers.

20.   In practice, stores have been filled for weeks with special offers as audacious as those at any American retailer.