31.   It was the fourth straight month of robust apparel sales, following two years of skimpy demand.

32.   Not surprisingly, apparel sales subsequently dropped sharply.

33.   Part of the rise in apparel sales is the result of the strengthening economy.

34.   Poor apparel sales continue to baffle the experts.

35.   Retail stocks rose after U.S. retailers reported that same-store sales climbed slightly in April as apparel sales improved.

36.   Retailers say apparel sales on the rise.

37.   Results have also been helped by an industrywide pickup in apparel sales.

38.   Sales are also expected to be boosted by warm weather, which has boosted apparel sales.

39.   Sales of appliances, car batteries, toys and other items were strong, while apparel sales were weaker than expected.

40.   Sears and J.C. Penney spurred apparel sales by being aggressive with their private-label denim lines, Walin said.