And because this state has huge numbers of elderly residents, the deal may prompt special concern: Many older customers shy away, for instance, from A.T.M.'s, preferring teller services.

It is not just that customers are shying away from new variable annuities.

Some customers shy away from the street vendors in response to a Colombian news media campaign urging readers not to buy illegal copies of the book.

But many national clothing chains, including Gap, Ann Taylor and Talbots, said sales at stores open at least a year dropped up to 6 percent as customers shied away from discretionary purchases.

Service became clogged at many outlets, and customers shied away from food they could not eat as they drove to work.

States would line up to impose their own penalties and customers shy away from doing business with a convicted felon.

Their main critic is Yung Jin Han, who runs Han's Food Deli and Grocery at the corner and says potential customers shy away.

While her company will not divulge specific statistics, Ms. Duffy said, "In general, customers are shying away from lavish occasions and concentrating on value-oriented dining."

When customers shied away from the "Cajun Catfish" on the menu, Skinny Haven called the entree "Cajun Fish" and customers took the bait.

"Our customers are not shying away from the look of volume over volume," said Julie Gilhart, the fashion director.