11.   And as retailers slash prices further to attract holiday shoppers, their profit margins shrink.

12.   And Dell rivals, particularly Compaq Computer Corp., remain willing to slash prices.

13.   And Compaq slashed prices in February to try to move out inventory.

14.   And each year, consumers twiddle their thumbs, waiting for retailers to begin slashing prices.

15.   And it would be an unusual shopper who continued to patronize one store if another slashed its prices.

16.   And just as department stores slashed prices at year-end sales, automakers offered big cash rebates on some cars to entice buyers into dealerships.

17.   And many department stores could slash prices as they face more pressure from discounters and specialty chains.

18.   And other retailers -- from electronics stores to general discounters such as Wal-Mart Stores Inc. -- have slashed prices to lure more customers into their stores.

19.   And rivals such as Best Buy Co. and Circuit City Inc. are slashing prices to profit-eroding levels.

20.   And some stores slashed prices even further.