1.   How can a small business afford to keep so much inventory?

2.   American manufacturers said business slowed for the sixth time in seven months in November, as sluggish consumer spending keeps company inventories high.

3.   Also, retailers have learned from previous bad holiday seasons to keep inventories in check.

4.   Casino said it plans to keep lower inventory with the aid of computers, using the additional cash flow to help pay down debt.

5.   Consumer spending patterns this year have helped keep inventories even with demand.

6.   Consumer spending patterns helped keep inventories even with demand as well.

7.   Dell has increased internal controls to make sure inventory is kept at a minimum, Bickerstaff said.

8.   Energy prices plunged on growing expectations that a mild winter in the Northeast will keep inventories of heating fuels high.

9.   Ebay keeps no inventory and takes no responsibility for authenticity of the wares being showcased on its screens.

10.   Financial turmoil in Asia slowed export demand for U.S. bellies, keeping inventories high, analysts said.