Even so, those clubs with a wealthy benefactor or a huge fan base can put themselves streets ahead of weaker rivals, while only a handful of clubs go into the season with any realistic chance of winning.

Armstrong reported net sales of more than $3 billion for 2000, putting it ahead of rivals like Congoleum and Mannington Mills.

If so, that would put it well ahead of rivals like Macy's, Bloomingdale's and May Company stores.

Of those, almost one-third, or 944, use Hong Kong as their Asian headquarters, putting it comfortably ahead of rivals like Shanghai and Singapore.