41.   But are retailers eliminating the confusion or causing it?

42.   But for sheer volume of products and inventiveness, online retailer Fogdog.com is top dog.

43.   But for the most part, retailers were in the doldrums.

44.   But government officials questioned whether smaller retailers would have been able to defend themselves against the market power of the giant wholesalers.

45.   But many retailers were wary after the attacks, and a flood of companies reportedly canceled or deferred orders and shipments.

46.   But many retailers would be hard-pressed to pay upfront.

47.   But major retailers were in no-comment mode Thursday.

48.   But many retailers are rankled, analysts say.

49.   But not all retailers are so forthcoming.

50.   But retailers are still skittish about credit card transactions via computer.