11.   All indicators point to a banner fourth quarter for retailers ranging from department-store chains like Sears Canada Inc. to specialty retailers like Forzani Group Ltd.

12.   Central Tractor is a specialty retailer serving the agricultural, hardware and related needs of rural consumers.

13.   Charming Shoppes bonds dropped in October as investors fretted the specialty retailer would go bankrupt.

14.   Christmas was weak in the U.S., if you talk to the department stores and the specialty retailers.

15.   City of Industry, Calif., specialty retailer of bed, bath and home textile products.

16.   CHIP MAKERS HELP LIFT STOCKS Stocks gained, lifted by semiconductor makers like Advanced Micro Devices and specialty retailers including Gap.

17.   Department stores and discounters posted strong gains for the month due to summer merchandise, but specialty apparel retailers fared worse.

18.   Department stores are benefiting at the expense of specialty retailers by their ease in shopping, lower prices and a lack of must-have fashions, analysts said.

19.   Department stores, which for the past year have been stealing sales from specialty apparel retailers, also posted modest results.

20.   Department stores and discounters have lured consumers away from specialty apparel retailers with attractive prices.