31.   Still, some specialty chains reported strong earnings gains.

32.   The charts showing sales numbers for the specialty chains and the department stores, however, read like a sea of tears.

33.   The upscale specialty store chain on Wednesday introduced NM Express, a green card that resembles a credit or bank ATM card and works like a prepaid phone card.

34.   When she arrived, there was another pregnant woman in the same dress, purchased at Pea in the Pod, a maternity specialty chain.

35.   With the soft economy, many consumers are cutting back on visits to department stores and specialty chains such as the Gap Inc. and spending more money at discounters.

36.   Many department stores and specialty chains, however, were hurt by the storm, which caused extensive flooding that closed malls and roadways.

37.   They headed for specialty chains like Hot Topics, American Eagle and Gadzooks Inc., all of which reported strong sales for the month.