21.   The shortcomings of voice mail versus live receptionists took time to determine, and similarly Web retailers are trying to find the ideal combination of automated and live assistants.

22.   The retailer had been trying to sell the chain in a bid to prop up its lagging U.S. discount-store operations, analysts said.

23.   The unusually cool weather that crimped sales when retailers were trying to sell warm-weather clothes earlier this summer boosted sales of fall lines, retailers said.

24.   To improve profits, the retailer is trying to move away from sales that offer deep discounts on everything in the store.

25.   When store traffic is slow, retailers typically try to boost sales by rearranging merchandise or jazzing up window displays.

26.   With about half of America now online, frightened retailers are trying to make these laws even tougher.

27.   Years ago, financially strapped Christmas shoppers used to wait until late on the day before the holiday when retailers tried to clear their shelves with large discounts.

28.   But in general, retailers are trying to improve service in hopes of bringing in business in a weak retail environment.

29.   Domestic supplies of meat for consumers are dwindling, and retailers are trying to import meat from Ireland and elsewhere to help fill the gap.

30.   Fears that retailers will try to cheat consumers during the introduction of the euro single currency are on the rise, a European Union survey showed Monday.