1.   American consumers continued to flock to car dealerships in February despite the economic slowdown, producing another unexpectedly strong month for auto sales.

2.   American consumers continue to show less satisfaction with the goods and services they buy, according to a survey released today.

3.   American exporters will benefit from those markets, and American consumers will continue to take advantage of low-cost Chinese products.

4.   Analysts interpret those conflicting signals to suggest that consumers will continue to shop, though they may hold back on big-ticket purchases like cars and refrigerators.

5.   And for a time, that was a blessing for the economy, because consumers continued to spend.

6.   And consumers continue to spend their earnings, which have stayed ahead of the nearly invisible inflation rate.

7.   Analysts said the retail sales figures will be especially important in determining if consumer spending will continue to keep the economy afloat.

8.   And if consumers continue to spend, it is equally unlikely to happen in any event.

9.   As chains get bigger and more impersonal, he believes, some consumers will continue to seek out stores that are not only upscale but are also personal.