11.   Apparel sales, driven by warmer weather and a favorable consumer response to current styles, have been edging up slightly.

12.   Apparel sales are soft and customers have slowed down their credit card purchases as delinquencies rise.

13.   Apparel sales showed surprising buoyancy.

14.   Apparel sales were disappointing last year, and analysts expect more of the same this year.

15.   Apparel sales, though, showed surprising buoyancy elsewhere.

16.   Brand Name Apparel, a small coat manufacturer also suffering from weak apparel sales.

17.   But some industry watchers are skeptical about how much apparel sales can help Nike.

18.   David James Fashions, a small maker of western-style jackets that has suffered from weak apparel sales overall and the specific weakness in western sales.

19.   Department stores, particularly the pricier chains, are expected to report strong results, as they benefit from a revival in apparel sales.

20.   December was also its biggest month ever for apparel sales.