51.   Smaller stores also did well.

52.   Specialty stores did poorly, with usually strong companies like Pacific Sunwear of California and Talbots Inc. joining the roster of lackluster performers.

53.   The store is doing good business, said manager Takashi Fujiwara.

54.   The Thanksgiving four-day holiday weekend is a barometer of how well U.S. stores will do over the entire holiday period.

55.   Three months later, Singer shut the shop as did other stores in the area.

56.   Toy stores did a brisk business as the festival approached, with parents buying holiday gifts for children.

57.   Under cloudy skies Saturday afternoon, stores did brisk business as people stocked up on canned food, water, flashlights, batteries, candles and other necessities.