21.   And that will challenge U.S. companies to slash prices to compete, trimming profits though helping keep inflation in check.

22.   Another worry is the highly competitive environment, which has caused many stores to slash prices dramatically and early, possibly endangering profits.

23.   Apple Computer Inc., Packard Bell Electronics Inc. and H-P slashed prices during the past two months to move inventory left over from the fourth quarter.

24.   Apple Computer Inc., Packard Bell Electronics Inc. and Hewlett-Packard slashed prices during the past two months to move inventory left over from the fourth quarter.

25.   As a result, retailers have slashed prices on things like coats, scarves and gloves.

26.   As cold-weather gear stays piled up on store shelves, retailers are forced to slash prices and spend more money on advertising.

27.   As a result, beer prices are being slashed, and profits are falling.

28.   As a result, Elles said, Cherokee has had to get rid of inventory by slashing prices and selling to off-price retailers such as Marshalls and Ross stores.

29.   As demand for shoes fell, they also had to close underperforming stores and slash prices to boost profitability.

30.   As Leon remembers it, things got slow and the brothers decided to slash prices and run a warehouse sale.